What is operation southern spear?
Asked 1 hour ago
Answer
Operation Southern Spear is a U.S. military campaign initiated under President Trump targeting drug smuggling operations from the Southern Hemisphere, particularly focusing on the Caribbean and Venezuela. The operation involves significant military buildup, including aircraft carriers and thousands of troops, and has resulted in multiple strikes on vessels and alleged smugglers. It is also part of a broader pressure campaign against the Venezuelan government due to suspected links to drug cartels.
Now Playing
Hegseth announces 'Operation Southern Spear'
- President Trump announced Operation Southern Spear to combat drug smuggling from the Southern Hemisphere.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hexett confirmed the operation, noting a shift in language to treating smugglers as combatants. 1m 11s
- The US military has conducted at least 20 strikes on 21 vessels since September, resulting in at least 80 deaths. 1m 25s
- The administration is weighing possible military strikes inside Venezuela, which would represent a major escalation. 1m 52s
- US military presence in the Caribbean now includes the USS Gerald R. Ford and about 15,000 personnel, the largest buildup since the Cold War. 2m 34s
References
President Trump issues a new military order called Operation Southern Spear, targeting drug smuggling from the Southern Hemisphere. The operation includes increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, strikes on vessels, and possible military action inside Venezuela.
Operation Southern Spear marks the 20th U.S. strike targeting drug-carrying vessels from designated terrorist organizations in the Caribbean and Pacific, part of a broader military buildup and pressure campaign against Venezuela.