U.S. Conducts New Caribbean Strike on Alleged Drug Vessel as Admiral Holsey Announces Early Retirement
The United States has reportedly carried out another strike on an alleged drug smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, amid growing controversy surrounding the Trump administration’s intensified military campaign in the region. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the Thursday operation, marking at least the sixth such strike since early September. In a notable development, survivors were reportedly found among the targeted crew.
The strike comes one day after President Donald Trump confirmed that he had authorised CIA operations inside Venezuela and was considering possible land-based military actions. The Pentagon has not yet released an official statement regarding the latest incident.
Legal experts and human rights organisations continue to condemn the campaign, calling the strikes “extrajudicial” and warning that they may violate international law. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, urged the UN Security Council to investigate what he described as “a series of assassinations” in the Caribbean.
The developments coincide with the unexpected resignation of Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of the U.S. Southern Command, who announced his retirement effective December 12, 2025 — two years ahead of schedule. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Holsey’s decades of service, calling him “a leader of integrity and vision.”
