WASHINGTON — The Navy admiral who oversees military operations in the region where U.S. forces have been attacking alleged drug boats off Venezuela will retire in December, he and the Defense Secretary announced Thursday.
Adm. Alvin Holsey became the leader of U.S. Southern Command only in November, overseeing an area that encompasses the Caribbean Sea and waters off South America.
The Trump administration has asserted it’s treating alleged drug traffickers as unlawful combatants who must be met with military force.
“Admiral Holsey has demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation,” Hegseth wrote.
Officials at the Pentagon did not provide any more information and referred The Associated Press to Hegseth’s statement on social media.
WASHINGTON — The admiral of the Navy in charge of defense activities in the area where U. S. He and the Defense Secretary declared on Thursday that the forces that have been attacking suspected drug boats off Venezuela will cease operations in December.
Administrator. U was led by Alvin Holsey. S. . Southern Command, which includes the Caribbean Sea and the waters off South America, was only established in November. The typical duration of these postings is three to four years.
Holsey’s impending retirement was announced two days after the U. A. The military’s fifth fatal attack on a small boat suspected of transporting drugs in the Caribbean. Alleged drug traffickers are being treated by the Trump administration as illegal combatants who need to be dealt with militarily.
On Capitol Hill, frustration over the attacks has been mounting. While Democrats argue the strikes violate U.S. law, some Republicans have been asking the White House for more information on the legal basis and specifics of the strikes. S. . as well as international law.
It’s “been an honor to serve our nation, the American people, and support and defend our Constitution for over 37 years,” Holsey said in a statement that was shared on the command’s Facebook page. “.
According to him, “the SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so,”. “With your mission to fortify our country and secure its continued status as a beacon of freedom around the world, I have no doubt that you will continue forward. “.
U. S. Other than the admiral’s statement, Southern Command did not offer any additional details.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Holsey for his “decades of service to our country, and we wish him and his family continued success and fulfillment in the years ahead” in a post on X Thursday afternoon. “.
The letter read, “Admiral Holsey has demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation,” it said.
Pentagon representatives referred The Associated Press to Hegseth’s social media statement without offering any additional details.
The news that Holsey was going to resign was first reported by the New York Times.
