The United States has launched a new military initiative aimed at combating “narcoterrorists” across the Western Hemisphere, War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Thursday as regional tensions with Venezuela continue to escalate.
In an announcement on X, Hegseth said the campaign — dubbed Operation Southern Spear — will be led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in coordination with US Southern Command. Its goal, he said, is to defend the US homeland, disrupt drug trafficking networks and remove narcoterrorist groups operating across the region.
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
Hegseth did not clarify whether the operation would expand on a recent series of US strikes against vessels in the Caribbean Sea suspected of being linked to drug cartels. Since September, the US has destroyed more than 20 boats, resulting in 80 deaths, according to previous government statements.
CNN, citing unnamed officials, reported that Southern Command had briefed President Donald Trump on possible targets inside Venezuela as part of the new mission. The briefing did not indicate that Trump had decided on direct action against Caracas, though he has repeatedly accused President Nicolás Maduro of supporting cartel operations.
Sanctions imposed during Trump’s first term remain in place, including a $50 million bounty on Maduro. The US has previously deployed a naval armada — including the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford — to the region, while Venezuela has mobilised its military in response.
Maduro has dismissed US allegations of drug trafficking involvement as politically motivated, warning Washington against provoking what he called a “crazy war.” He also accused Trump of using cartel activity as a pretext to pursue regime change.
