US announces «Southern Spear» operation against drug terrorists

US launches «Operation Southern Spear» against drug terrorists in the Western Hemisphere

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth announced the launch of a military operation codenamed Operation Southern Spear, aimed at destroying «drug terrorists» in the Western Hemisphere.

In his words: «The Western Hemisphere is America's neighbourhood, and we will defend it.».

Details of the operation

• The operation is being coordinated by United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which covers Central and South America and the Caribbean.

• The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and other US warships are on their way to deploy off the coast of Venezuela.

• The operation has already resulted in dozens of attacks on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, with many deaths.

• The Pentagon's statement said that the goal was to «protect our homeland, eliminate drug terrorists from our hemisphere».

Context.

The United States is significantly increasing its military presence in the Caribbean and on the coasts of South America to combat drug trafficking.
The deployment of an aircraft carrier and strike groups near Venezuela has raised concerns about possible escalation and preparations for regime change.