The United States has launched a new military campaign in Latin America, dubbed Operation Southern Spear, under the pretext of the Trump administration's "war on drugs", which has so far yielded fatal operations and skyrocketing tensions amid the growing militarization of the region. 

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth revealed that, under President Donald Trump's directive, the Pentagon  launched the operation, claiming it would "secure our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people."

President Trump ordered action — and the Department of War is delivering.

Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR.

Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our…

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 13, 2025

Southern Command had initially introduced Operation Southern Spear in January, outlining the use of advanced technologies, including long-dwell robotic surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats, and vertical take-off and landing robotic air units to support counter-narcotics efforts.

Trump mulls operation

The launch of the operation comes as Trump was briefed earlier this week on a series of military options for Venezuela, according to four sources familiar with the matter.

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While Trump has yet to make a final decision, CNN stated, he is reportedly assessing the potential outcomes and consequences of a broader campaign targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government.

According to CNN, Wednesday’s meeting included an updated set of military proposals, though a source close to the briefing emphasized that Trump had not moved closer to a decision. Another individual familiar with the discussions said the options largely mirrored those already under review within the Pentagon and previously reported in public sources.

Washington's so-called 'war on drugs'

Over recent months, the United States has expanded its naval, air, and ground presence across the Caribbean, with officials in Washington claiming the operations are aimed at "strengthening counter-narcotics and counterterrorism capabilities." The move marks one of the most significant deployments to SOUTHCOM waters in years.

The escalation coincides with a series of strikes authorized by US President Donald Trump since early September. US military forces have targeted what Washington described as drug-trafficking vessels across the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific.

According to US defense briefings, these operations have resulted in the destruction of approximately 20 vessels and the deaths of at least 75 individuals as of November 10.

US soldiers given legal cover 

Despite concerns regarding the legality of the White House's actions, the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a classified opinion in July stating that American military personnel involved in strikes against vessels in the Caribbean would not face future prosecution, according to a report by The Washington Post published Wednesday.

The legal opinion was reportedly requested after senior government lawyers voiced concerns about the legality of the operations. Admiral Alvin Holsey, then-head of US Southern Command, along with other high-ranking officers, reportedly urged caution, warning of possible legal and political fallout.

Sources cited by The Washington Post claim Holsey insisted on a thorough review of any such strike proposals before they reached President Donald Trump. Holsey resigned unexpectedly in October, a year after his appointment, which the report links to his reservations over these operations.

Read more: Venezuela activates national defense system