US commander who oversaw deadly attacks against alleged drug boats near Venezuela to retire

navy The admiral who oversees military operations in the area where US forces are attacking alleged drug boats Venezuela Will retire in December, he and the defense secretary announced Thursday.

Admiral Alvin Holsey also became leader of the US Southern Command in November, overseeing the area that included Caribbean Sea And provides water to South America. This type of posting generally lasts between three to four years.

News of Holsey’s upcoming retirement comes two days after the US military’s fifth deadly strike against a small boat accused of carrying drugs in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has stressed that it is treating alleged drug traffickers as illegal combatants who should be confronted with military force.

Frustration is increasing over the attacks on Capitol Hill. Some? republican They are demanding more information from the White House on the legal justification and details of the strikes, while Democrats argue that the strikes violate US and international law.

“It has been an honor to serve our country, the American people, and support and defend our Constitution for more than 37 years,” Holsey said in a statement posted on the command’s Facebook page.

“The SouthCom team has made a lasting contribution to our nation’s defense and will continue to do so,” he said. “I am confident that you will move forward focused on your mission that will strengthen our nation and ensure its longevity as a symbol of freedom throughout the world.”

The US Southern Command did not provide any further information apart from the Admiral’s statement.

x In a post on Thursday afternoon, the Defense Secretary pete hegseth Holsey for her “decades of service to our country,” and we wish her and her family continued success and fulfillment in the years to come.

“Admiral Holsey has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the mission, the people, and the nation,” Hegseth wrote.

Pentagon officials provided no further details and referred The Associated Press to Hegseth’s statements on social media.