The United States has launched a new military campaign in Latin America, known as Operation Southern Spear, as President Donald Trump considers a series of potential military actions against Venezuela.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the operation this week, saying it was initiated under Trump’s directive to “secure our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people.” The Pentagon claims the campaign is part of an expanded counter-narcotics effort across the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific.

Operation Southern Spear was first outlined by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in January. The plan involves extensive use of advanced technologies, including long-dwell robotic surface vessels, small interceptor drones, and vertical take-off robotic aircraft to track, pursue, and destroy suspected drug-trafficking vessels.

The launch of the operation coincides with Trump’s review of broader military options for Venezuela, according to four individuals familiar with internal discussions. CNN reported that Trump was briefed earlier this week on updated proposals, but sources said he has not moved closer to approving any specific action. The options presented are said to mirror those that have circulated within the Pentagon for months.

In recent months, the United States has significantly expanded its naval, air, and ground presence in the Caribbean, marking one of the largest deployments to SOUTHCOM waters in years. Officials in Washington claim the buildup is intended to strengthen regional counter-narcotics and counterterrorism efforts.

The escalation follows a series of US-authorized strikes since early September on vessels Washington identified as drug-trafficking targets. Defense officials say roughly 20 vessels have been destroyed and at least 75 people killed as of Nov. 10.

The expanding military campaign has raised concerns within the US government over the legality of the operations. The Washington Post reported Wednesday that the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a classified opinion in July ensuring that US military personnel involved in such strikes would be shielded from future prosecution.

Senior government lawyers had reportedly questioned the legality of targeting vessels without due process, while several high-ranking military officers also voiced caution. Admiral Alvin Holsey, then-commander of US Southern Command, was among those who urged careful review of strike proposals before they reached President Trump. Holsey resigned unexpectedly in October, a year after taking command, in what sources told the Post was linked to his reservations about the operations.

The White House has not commented on the ongoing deliberations or the possible expansion of military action against Venezuela. Meanwhile, regional governments have expressed growing alarm over the heightened US military presence and the risk of further destabilization in Latin America. (ILKHA)