Tension Rises as US Launches New Military Operation Against Armed Groups
The United States Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, has announced a new military offensive aimed at tackling drug-linked armed groups in Latin America.
Naija News reports that the action comes amid mounting concerns that Washington’s expanding naval presence in the region could precede land strikes and escalate into a broader conflict.
Hegseth made the announcement in a statement posted on his official handle on Thursday, November 13, declaring the launch of Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, a mission he said is intended to protect the US Homeland and eliminate narcotics-driven terror groups from the Western Hemisphere.
In his brief announcement, 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 Defence Secretary, however, did not disclose details of the operation, the scope of US involvement, or how it would differ from ongoing military activities already in place.
A Pentagon spokesperson, when asked to clarify the mission’s objectives, referred journalists back to the same social media post.
Naija News reports that President Donald Trump‘s administration has been running a large-scale anti-drug military campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, deploying naval and air assets to interdict vessels linked to drug cartels.
According to US data, American forces have struck about 20 vessels in international waters in the region since early September, resulting in at least 76 deaths.
The fresh announcement comes as analysts warn that the increased US military footprint could signal preparations for deeper involvement in South American conflicts.
A report by CBS News on Wednesday indicated that senior US military officials had recently presented President Trump with updated options for possible operations in Venezuela, including land-based military strikes.
The report has heightened concerns that Operation Southern Spear could form part of a broader strategic shift, extending Washington’s involvement from maritime interdictions to direct action on Venezuelan soil.
In response to the growing US presence, Venezuela on Tuesday announced what it described as a major nationwide military mobilisation to confront the expanding American naval deployment near its coasts.
Naija News understands that the US has recently deployed an aircraft carrier strike group in the Caribbean, six additional Navy ships, and F-35 stealth fighter jets repositioned to Puerto Rico.
Caracas alleges that Washington’s actions, particularly the carrier group movement, form part of a covert plan to destabilise President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
Venezuelan officials fear that the new US mission is an escalation designed to create conditions for regime change.
With tensions rising and militaries on both sides increasing posture, regional observers warn that Operation Southern Spear could ignite one of the most significant hemispheric security crises in decades.
However, the US has yet to issue a formal operational brief or timeline for the new mission.