US War Department Announces New Offensive Military Operation, Mentions Target Regions
- The United States launched Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR to counter drug trafficking networks across the Western Hemisphere
- The arrival of the USS Gerald R Ford expanded Washington's naval presence in Caribbean and Latin American waters
- Tensions with Venezuela increased after President Nicolas Maduro accused the US of “fabricating a new war”
A major American security initiative has been rolled out as Washington moves to confront what it calls a growing threat from cross border criminal groups.
United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the new campaign, known as Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, would reinforce efforts to curb drug trafficking routes across the Western Hemisphere.
He made the announcement on Thursday, November 13, through a statement released on X.
Source: Getty Images
In the post, Hegseth said the operation would be coordinated by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in partnership with the US Southern Command.
“Today, I'm announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR,” he wrote.
“Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.”
US expands regional posture
Southern Command oversees security cooperation, contingency planning and operational missions across 31 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America.
The command will now carry broader responsibility for the intensified push against drug networks accused of smuggling narcotics into the United States.
The move follows the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, which arrived in Caribbean and Latin American waters last week. The vessel is the world’s largest aircraft carrier and is part of a substantial naval presence Washington has assembled across the region.
US officials say the build-up is designed to restrict the movements of transnational crime syndicates involved in narcotics shipments.
Tensions rise with Venezuela
Recent US actions have included military strikes on several vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Officials maintain that the targeted boats were used for drug trafficking. Reports from regional observers say dozens of people have died during these operations.
The strategy has already drawn sharp criticism from the Venezuelan government. Washington has accused figures connected to President Nicolas Maduro of supporting drug smuggling operations.
Maduro rejected the allegation.
He said the United States is “fabricating a new war” and intends to force him from office. He also described the US naval deployment as “the greatest threat our continent has faced in the past 100 years.”
US war department ‘preparing for action’ in Nigeria
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the United States Department of War says it is preparing for possible action in Nigeria following President Donald Trump’s threat to halt aid and deploy forces over alleged killings of Christians in the country.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the development on his verified X account, saying the American government will not stand by while innocent Christians are attacked.
Source: Getty Images
His statement followed Trump’s Saturday post on his Truth Social platform, where the US President said Washington could “completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists” responsible for the alleged violence.
“The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria — and anywhere — must end immediately. The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Hegseth wrote.
The Defence Secretary’s post came hours after the White House accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to what it called a “Christian genocide.”
Trump had earlier declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and accused the Tinubu administration of failing to uphold human rights protections.
Trump’s White House reacts after losing out on Nobel Peace Prize
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Venezuelan opposition leader and democracy advocate María Corina Machado had been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, sparking reactions across global political circles, including the White House.
The 58-year-old was recognised for her courage and resilience in pushing for democratic reform in Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro, whose government had faced years of international condemnation for alleged repression and electoral fraud.
Source: Legit.ng
