United States Launches ‘Operation Southern Spear’ Amid Rising Tensions With Venezuela

The United States has announced the launch of Operation Southern Spear, a new military initiative aimed at targeting what Washington describes as “narco-terrorists” operating across the Western Hemisphere. The development comes at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.

The operation was confirmed on Thursday by the U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, in an official statement shared on his X account. He disclosed that the mission is being led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in collaboration with the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

According to Hegseth, the goal of the operation is to protect the U.S. homeland, dismantle drug-trafficking networks, and confront threats emerging from the region.
He stated: “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.”

However, Hegseth did not clarify whether Operation Southern Spear would include an expansion of recent U.S. strikes on alleged cartel vessels in international waters of the Caribbean Sea. This omission has fuelled speculation about whether Washington is preparing for a broader intervention, similar to previous U.S. actions in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan under the justification of countering terrorism or narcotics.

Since September, the United States has reportedly destroyed at least 20 suspected cartel boats in international waters, resulting in the deaths of approximately 80 individuals. In addition, U.S. Southern Command has briefed President Donald Trump on possible target options inside Venezuela, although it remains uncertain whether further action will be authorised.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denied involvement in drug trafficking and has issued repeated warnings to the United States against initiating what he called a “crazy war.” His government is already facing extensive U.S. sanctions, and Washington has placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro.

The United States has also deployed a significant naval presence to the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, a move viewed by analysts as a signal of readiness for potential escalation.

Maduro has accused President Trump of using drug-trafficking claims as a pretext to undermine and possibly overthrow his administration.

As the situation evolves, regional and international observers remain on alert, watching closely to see whether Operation Southern Spear will remain a counter-narcotics mission or develop into a broader military confrontation.