The U.S. military has announced a new mission, named Operation Southern Spear, as American forces expand their presence in the Caribbean and review potential options against Venezuela. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation Thursday, describing it as an effort that “defends our homeland” and “removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere.”
In a post on X, Hegseth said the operation would be led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). He provided no operational details, but added: “The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighborhood – and we will protect it.”
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The announcement has intensified speculation about potential U.S. action against Venezuela, following what officials describe as a massive U.S. military buildup in the region.
U.S. officials have described Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as “illegitimate,” a claim his government denies. Hegseth’s post also follows a string of lethal U.S. strikes on boats alleged to be ferrying drugs.
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29% of Americans say they support the killing of alleged drug traffickers without the approval of a court or judge; 21% support the U.S. military being deployed to overthrow Maduro by force.
20 lethal strikes and counting
Since early September, the U.S. has carried out 20 lethal strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels, including one on Monday that killed four people, a Pentagon official told The Hill.
Fatality estimates vary by outlet. The Hill reports “at least 80,” while Newsweek cites “at least 76.” But all accounts show the campaign stretching across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
US firepower in the region
The U.S. has amassed significant military assets in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, with over 4,000 sailors and F/A-18 Super Hornets, has entered the SOUTHCOM area and is expected off Venezuela within days.
A Newsweek map shows other deployed assets, including the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, several destroyers, a cruiser and the littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Air assets include F-35B fighter jets, MQ-9 Reaper drones and P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft operating from Puerto Rico.
SOUTHCOM confirmed that artillery training is already underway on the USS Iwo Jima.
Confusion over the ‘Southern Spear’ name
Hegseth’s announcement created some confusion, as social media users noted that “Operation Southern Spear” was also the name of a U.S. Navy surveillance initiative announced in January, focused on autonomous and robotic systems in the same region.
When asked how the new operation relates to that effort, the Pentagon referred reporters back to Hegseth’s X post, offering no further clarification.
What officials say comes next
Tensions are high as U.S. leaders review their options. Multiple outlets report that Secretary Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine briefed President Trump this week on military options, including potential land strikes against Venezuela.
In response, Venezuela’s defense ministry announced it had mobilized 200,000 troops for exercises, with President Maduro accusing the U.S. of inventing “a bizarre narrative.”
U.S. SOUTHCOM confirmed its forces are deployed in support of Department of War-directed operations.
