“US Begins ‘Operation Southern Spear’ Amid Rising Venezuela Tensions”

The United States has launched Operation Southern Spear, a military operation targeting “narco-terrorists” in the Western Hemisphere, amid rising tensions with Venezuela.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the operation on Thursday evening via a post on X, stating that the mission aims to defend the US homeland, remove narco-terrorists, and curb the flow of drugs into the country.

“Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR,” Hegseth wrote. “Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our hemisphere, and secures our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighbourhood — and we will protect it.”

The operation is being conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in coordination with US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Hegseth, however, did not clarify whether the mission will expand the strikes against alleged cartel vessels in international waters of the Caribbean Sea, prompting speculation about potential US incursions under the pretext of combating narcotics.

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Since September, US forces have destroyed at least 20 alleged cartel vessels, resulting in 80 fatalities in international waters.

US Southern Command has briefed President Donald Trump on potential target options within Venezuela, but it remains unclear if he will authorize further action.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denied involvement in drug trafficking and warned the US against initiating what he called a “crazy war.” Maduro has also accused Trump of using alleged cartel activity as a pretext to try to remove him from power.

Meanwhile, the US has imposed sanctions on Caracas and announced a $50 million bounty on Maduro. A naval armada, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, has been dispatched to the region.