On November 13, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the launch of a military operation to “eliminate narco-terrorists,” amid concerns that the growing US naval presence off Latin America could signal impending land strikes and a wider conflict. “Today I am announcing the start of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR,” Hegseth wrote on X. “This mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere and shields the Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.” He did not specify what actions the operation would entail or how it would differ from military activities already under way.
Donald Trump’s administration is continuing a military campaign in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, deploying naval and air forces as part of its declared fight against drug trafficking. According to US figures, since early September American forces have struck roughly 20 vessels in international waters in the region, killing at least 76 people.
Trump Declared That the U.S. Is at War With Drug Cartels
The Administration Justified Strikes on Boats in the Caribbean Sea That Killed 17 People
U.S. Declares a “War on Narco-Terrorists” and Prepares Covert Operations Against Venezuela
Trump Pivots Foreign Policy Toward Latin America, Blending Threats, Sanctions, and Promises to Allies
When asked for details about Operation Southern Spear, a Pentagon spokesperson referred reporters back to Hegseth’s post on X. Meanwhile, CBS News reported on Wednesday, citing multiple sources, that senior military officials had presented Trump with updated options for potential action against Venezuela, including strikes on its territory.
On Tuesday, November 11, Venezuela announced the start of a large-scale military deployment across the country in response to the growing presence of US forces off its coast. A US carrier strike group has arrived in the region, along with F-35 aircraft relocated to Puerto Rico and six US Navy ships deployed to the Caribbean. Caracas fears these moves may be a prelude to a push for regime change.