Operation Southern Spear Launched by the Army
In a recent announcement, the Department of the Army revealed the launch of Operation Southern Spear aimed at combating drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere. This plan was made public by Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth, who emphasized that the operation is designed to eliminate “narco-terrorists” and safeguard the homeland from the drugs that are wreaking havoc on communities.
The operation follows recent military actions against vessels suspected of transporting dangerous substances off the coast of Venezuela. Hegseth stated, “President Trump ordered action, and the Department of the Army is carrying it out. The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighborhood, and we will protect it.”
The military mission will be directed by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in collaboration with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the Miami-based command responsible for military operations across the Caribbean and Latin America. Interestingly, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, is involved in this operation, with reports indicating that it began in SOUTHCOM’s territory just a couple of days before Hegseth’s announcement.
When approached for further details, the Department of the Army referred to Hegseth’s statements and previous announcements made by SOUTHCOM. A press release outlined the formation of Joint Task Force Southern Spear, intending to strengthen counternarcotics initiatives throughout the region.
Reportedly, the U.S. military conducted its 20th strike on a suspected drug vessel recently. Multiple sources confirmed this, underlining the ongoing military involvement in this sensitive issue. Additionally, a recent Senate attempt to restrict Trump’s actions regarding these strikes was unsuccessful, falling just short of the votes needed to overcome the filibuster.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has expressed concern over these military actions, specifically mentioning a recent strike against a cartel’s boat and cautioning President Trump against further aggression. Colombia remains a significant player in global cocaine production.
Moreover, Trump had previously mentioned that Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s socialist leader, had proposed offering the U.S. an interest in its oil projects in exchange for ceasing military operations against drug-trafficking vessels. Trump suggested this was a sign of Maduro’s desire to distance himself from the U.S.
As of now, there has been no immediate response from SOUTHCOM regarding further commentary on these developments.
