By: Editor
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the start of a new military campaign in Latin America aimed at combating what Washington calls “narco-terrorist” networks. The initiative, named **Operation Southern Spear**, comes amid a significant increase in the deployment of US troops, naval assets, and aircraft across the region.
In a statement posted on X, Hegseth said the mission—led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in coordination with US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)—is designed to “defend the homeland, eliminate narco-terrorists from our hemisphere, and stop the flow of deadly drugs into the United States.” He added that the Western Hemisphere remains “America’s neighborhood,” and vowed strong protection of US regional interests.
SOUTHCOM, whose operational reach spans 31 countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, later shared footage of US Marines conducting artillery training aboard the USS *Iwo Jima* in the Caribbean. The command said the exercises support President Donald Trump’s efforts to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and strengthen homeland security.
The announcement followed reports of escalating US military strikes on suspected smuggling vessels. Earlier this week, the US carried out its 20th attack in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing four people aboard a boat believed to be involved in drug operations.
CNN, citing a US Defense Department official, reported that there were “no survivors” from Monday’s strike. The attack is the latest in a series of lethal operations targeting individuals travelling by sea. While Washington maintains that the strikes are aimed at drug traffickers, it has yet to release evidence or present a legal basis for the forceful actions, which have reportedly resulted in around 80 deaths so far.
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