U.S. Launches ‘Southern Spear’ Under SOUTHCOM as Venezuela Mobilizes Forces

Overview

• The Pentagon announced the ‘Southern Spear’ operation to pursue so‑called narcoterrorist groups, placing the mission under U.S. Southern Command.
• U.S. officials report more than 20 vessels destroyed in the Caribbean and Pacific with at least 76 fatalities, including a strike reported on Sunday in the Pacific.
• Washington has not provided public evidence linking the bombed boats to drug trafficking, drawing scrutiny over legality and targeting.
• Venezuela launched nationwide military exercises, touted a large multi‑domain deployment, and Maduro signed a law creating Integral Defense Commands while urging Milicia Bolivariana enlistment.
• Regional posture expanded with additional U.S. naval assets near Venezuela, including reporting on the USS Gerald R. Ford entering the area, alongside media reports of CIA covert authorities tied to Venezuela.