Tension Rises As US Announces New Military Operation To Deal With Armed Groups

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The United States Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, has unveiled a new military operation targeting drug-linked armed groups in Latin America—an announcement that has sparked growing concerns about a potential escalation of Washington’s military activities in the region.

Naija News reports that the initiative comes at a time when analysts warn the US naval buildup in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific may be laying the groundwork for broader offensive actions, including possible land strikes.

Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR Announced

In a statement posted to his official 𝕏 account on Thursday, November 13, Hegseth declared the launch of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, describing it as a mission designed to protect the US Homeland and neutralise narcotics-driven terror networks operating across the Western Hemisphere.

Hegseth wrote:

“Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR. This mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.”

The announcement did not include specifics on operational scope, regional partners, or timelines, and Pentagon officials declined to elaborate—referring reporters back to the same social media post.

Operation Raises Questions About US Intentions

Naija News reports that President Donald Trump’s administration has been conducting an aggressive anti-drug military campaign, deploying naval and air assets across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

US data shows that American forces have carried out about 20 maritime strikes since early September, resulting in at least 76 deaths linked to suspected drug trafficking operations.

The abrupt launch of Operation Southern Spear has amplified speculation that Washington may be preparing for a more expansive military footprint.

A CBS News report on Wednesday revealed that senior US military officials recently presented President Trump with updated options for possible operations in Venezuela, including targeted land strikes. The disclosure has fuelled fears that the new mission could serve as an umbrella for deeper intervention in the region.

Venezuela Responds With Military Mobilisation

In reaction to the expanded US naval deployments, Venezuela on Tuesday announced a nationwide military mobilisation, accusing Washington of attempting to provoke instability around the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

In recent weeks, the US has deployed:

• An aircraft carrier strike group in the Caribbean

• Six additional Navy ships

• F-35 stealth fighter jets repositioned to Puerto Rico

Caracas claims the moves form part of a covert plan to engineer regime change, while American officials insist the deployments are tied strictly to counter-narcotics and homeland security objectives.

Risk of a Major Hemispheric Crisis

Regional observers warn that Operation Southern Spear may escalate into one of the most significant security flashpoints in the Western Hemisphere in decades, particularly if US forces transition from maritime interdictions to direct military engagement on South American soil.

Despite the rising tensions, Washington has not released a formal operational brief, rules of engagement, or mission timeline for the new campaign.