The US Secretary of War, Pete Hegsethannounced this Thursday the launch of the military operation “Southern Spear”, focused on the fight against drug trafficking in Latin America and in the midst of growing tensions between Washington and Venezuela.
According to reports, the operation will be under the coordination of the US Southern Command, which groups operations in South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Hegseth detailed in his message published on the X social network that the mission is led by a joint task force.
Likewise, he assured that he seeks to “defend our homeland, eliminate narco-terrorists from our hemisphere and protect our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.”
Six dead in new US attacks against suspected drug traffickers
Although no operational details were specified, the deployment could include military units already present in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela since the summer, he said. EFE.
This would be added to the recent arrival of aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Fordconsidered by the US Navy as the “most capable, adaptable and lethal combat platform in the world.”
The operation is framed in a context of increasing pressure from the Trump Administration on the Government of Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington describes as “illegitimate.”
President Trump ordered action — and the Department of War is delivering.
Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR.
Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOMthis mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our…
—Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 13, 2025
What decision will Donald Trump make?
According to cnnTrump has been briefed on various military options inside Venezuela, ranging from airstrikes against government facilities or drug trafficking routes to more direct attempts against Maduro himself.
However, sources close to the White House assure that The president has not yet made a decision on how to proceed.evaluating risks and benefits.
The US military deployment in the region has been complemented by the presence of destroyers and amphibious landing ships, as well as the destruction of vessels allegedly transporting fentanyl, which would have caused the death of some 70 occupants, according to the Pentagon.
The US and the fight against “narcoterrorism”
Hegseth emphasized that these actions are part of the protection of the Western Hemisphere and the fight against drug trafficking and “narcoterrorism” in the region.
In parallel, the Pentagon and the White House did not offer additional comments on the details of the operation, he said. cnn.
Meanwhile, military sources indicated that Southern Spear had previously been mentioned in January as part of a plan that includes robotic boats and aircraft for anti-drug operations, the network said.
Southern Spear’s announcement comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the Caribbeanmarked by the presence of US military resources in the region, and the continued diplomatic and economic pressure on Venezuela.
“With the military deployment against Venezuela, the US also sets its sights on Cuba,” analysts warn
