The Secretary of Defense of the United States, Pete Hegseth, announced, this Friday (14), the creation of operation “Lança do Sul”. According to Hegseth, the measure aims to combat what he called “narco-terrorists” and protect the country from drugs.
“President Trump ordered action — and the War Department is carrying out the order. Today, I am announcing Operation Southern Spear. Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear, this mission defends our homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our hemisphere, and protects our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people,” the secretary wrote in the X.
The announcement comes at a time of extreme tension between the United States and Venezuela. This week, the North American government carried out the 20th against alleged vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Additionally, the US has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean Sea and the Ocean. Trump even confirmed last month that he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to carry out secret operations on Venezuelan soil.
Nicolás Maduro’s government considers it a preparation for a possible invasion. The friction between the two countries generates concerns and criticism from other South American nations.
