Summary
The United States has started a military operation named Operation Southern Spear to target "narco-terrorists" in Latin America. This involves deploying more troops and military equipment in the region, including a major buildup near Venezuela. The US claims the operation is to combat drug trafficking, but there is no evidence provided for attacks that have killed several people.
Key Facts
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear to target drug-linked groups in Latin America.
- The operation involves a large-scale increase in US troops, ships, and aircraft in the area.
- The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) manages US military activities in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.
- US military forces conducted artillery training on a ship in the Caribbean in support of this mission.
- Recent US military actions include several attacks on vessels, resulting in around 80 deaths, targeting alleged drug smuggling operations.
- Criticism exists regarding the lack of evidence and legal basis for these attacks.
- The USS Gerald R Ford, a major US aircraft carrier, is moving closer to Venezuela as part of the operation.
- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of creating false stories to justify military actions against his country.
