(Xinhua, Washington, 13th) U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced today that the United States has launched the "Southern Spear" military operation, targeting "drug terrorists" in the Western Hemisphere.
Reuters reported that Hegseth posted on the social media platform Twitter: "I am announcing the 'Southern Spear Operation' today."
Hegseth wrote: "This mission is led by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear and the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), aimed at protecting our homeland, eliminating drug terrorists in this hemisphere, and protecting our homeland from drugs that are harming our people."
The U.S. Southern Command is one of the U.S. joint operations commands, covering 31 countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean region.
The Hill reported that Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, and other senior military leaders reportedly briefed President Trump at the White House yesterday on regional military options, including a possible ground attack on Venezuela.
Recent reports indicate that the U.S. military conducted its 20th deadly air strike against suspected drug-smuggling vessels on October 10th. An unnamed Pentagon official told The Hill today that the air strike in the Caribbean resulted in the death of four "drug terrorists."
Since the U.S. military launched anti-drug operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean in early September, at least 80 people have been killed. The Trump administration claims the purpose is to prevent drugs from entering the United States.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848735785926986/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.