U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced Thursday
the launch of a new large-scale military operation called “Operation Southern
Spear,” designed—according to the administration—to confront and dismantle
organizations classified as “narco-terrorist” operating in various countries of
the Western Hemisphere.
According to Hegseth, the mission will be led by Joint Task
Force Southern Spear in direct coordination with U.S. Southern Command
(Southcom). The Secretary stated that the central purpose is to strengthen
national security through actions aimed at expelling these networks from the
hemisphere and curbing the flow of illicit drugs, which, he asserts, represent
a direct threat to the American people.
During the announcement, Hegseth emphasized that the
operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at protecting the nation's
territory through military cooperation and the deployment of intelligence,
surveillance, and regional support capabilities. In his public statement, he
stressed:
"The Western Hemisphere is America's neighborhood, and
we will protect it."
The statement, released on social media Thursday night,
underscores the administration's stance regarding the geostrategic importance
of the region and the need for a strong response against transnational criminal
organizations that, according to the Department of Defense, threaten the
stability and security of both the United States and its allies.