U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday the launch of a sweeping new military initiative that will operate across the entire Western Hemisphere, dramatically expanding U.S. activity under what Washington continues to describe as a counter-narcotics mission. The scope and framing of the operation, however, have intensified fears among foreign policy analysts and Latin American governments that the United States may be preparing for a broader confrontation with Venezuela.
In a statement released on X, formerly Twitter, Hegseth declared: “President Trump ordered action — and the Department of War is delivering. Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR. 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. The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighborhood – and we will protect it.” The announcement did not clarify whether the new operational authority includes active targeting of ground sites in Venezuela.
The timing of the move is notable. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group entered the Caribbean Sea this week, while additional U.S. naval assets continue operations inside Venezuela’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Reports from U.S. media on Thursday also indicated that President Donald Trump has again been presented with a menu of military strike options against Venezuela, including a ground invasion and potential targeting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s security apparatus. According to these reports, Trump has not yet made a final decision.
Maduro, for his part, has ordered full mobilization of Venezuela’s armed forces, placing the military on its highest state of readiness and publicly asserting that an attack by the United States may be imminent. Caracas views the expanding U.S. naval presence and the creation of Operation South Spear as direct indications of escalating intent.
One factor that may complicate any decision to authorize military action is Trump’s declining poll numbers and the Republican Party’s weak performance in recent off-year elections. Some within Trump’s coalition have grown increasingly skeptical of pursuing military engagement in Venezuela, warning that voters may oppose another foreign conflict. Still, others within Trump’s inner circle argue that a rapid, decisive operation could be perceived as a show of strength that might bolster support heading into the election year.