U.S. launches new military operation against Latin American ‘narco-terrorists’

The Operation Southern Spear has officially been announced by the U.S., marking a substantial escalation in its military posture across South America and the Caribbean.

Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Defence Secretary, formally declared the operation via social-media, stating that it will be led by the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and a newly established joint task force. He said the mission is designed to “defend our Homeland, remove narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secure our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.”

The announcement comes amid reports that the U.S. military has already carried out at least 20 strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in casualties and drawing international attention.

This operation represents more than just an anti-drug campaign. The scale of the build-up—naval warships, Marines, aircraft—suggests a broader strategic push by the U.S. in its “neighbourhood”.

Countries in South America and the Caribbean are reacting with concern. For example, Venezuela has strongly denounced the deployment as an attack on its sovereignty, mobilising troops in response.

Meanwhile, some allies are asking questions about legality and oversight of the strikes and actions associated with the mission.