The admiral who leads U.S. military forces in Latin America will step down at the end of this year, two years ahead of schedule, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday, in a surprise move amid escalating tensions with Venezuela.

Washington

Admiral Alvin Halsey, the head of the U.S. Southern Command responsible for operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, is set to retire at the end of the year, two years earlier than anticipated. The announcement follows reports of internal disagreements, particularly regarding counter-narcotics operations and tensions with Secretary Hegseth.

The leadership change occurs as the U.S. increases its military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of advanced military assets and the creation of a new joint task force. Additionally, President Donald Trump recently acknowledged authorizing covert CIA operations in Venezuela and indicated consideration of further actions in the region.

Head of U.S. military for Latin America to step down

It's the latest shake-up in the senior ranks of the U.S. military under the Trump administration. The admiral who oversees operations in the South Caribbean and Latin America will step down in December, two years earlier than expected. On behalf of the Department of War, we extend our deepest gratitude to Admiral Alvin Halsey for his more than 37 years of distinguished service to our nation, as he plans to retire at year's end. The New York Times reports a U.S. official said Halsey raised concerns over attacks on alleged drug boats, and a source told Reuters that there was tension between him and Secretary Hegseth in the days leading up to the moment. On October 10th, Florida-based U.S. Southern Command announced it would create a new joint task force based in North Carolina to coordinate future counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere. The shake-up takes place in the backdrop of U.S. military build-up and an escalation of tensions with Venezuela. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged he had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela and announced he was considering strikes on its territory. They authorized the CIA to carry out operations against Venezuela, against the peace of Venezuela. This was never seen before. They've always done it, but never before in the CIA's existence has a government publicly said they were sending the CIA to kill, topple and destroy countries. Since August, the U.S. has deployed guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine and around 6,500 troops to the Caribbean.

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Breakdown