Caribbean Military Operations: Senior US Admiral Steps Down Amid Controversy

Admiral Alvin Holsey unexpectedly resigned from his role as head of US Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the Caribbean region. His departure comes amid growing controversy over aggressive military tactics against suspected drug smuggling operations. The US military recently conducted its fifth attack on boats near Venezuela, resulting in six fatalities.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had been increasingly frustrated with what he viewed as Holsey's overly cautious approach to combating drug traffickers. Internal sources revealed that tensions had been building for weeks, with Hegseth complaining about insufficient operational information and SOUTHCOM expressing concerns about the legality of these operations.

The conflict came to a head during a Pentagon meeting where Holsey offered his resignation, though the decision was delayed before being officially announced.