Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command, has announced his retirement, set for December, following a tenure marked by contentious military operations in the Caribbean and off the coast of South America. Holsey, who assumed leadership in November, oversees a region that includes the Caribbean Sea and South American waters. His departure comes just two days after the U.S. military conducted its fifth deadly strike in the Caribbean against a small vessel accused of drug trafficking. The Trump administration has labeled alleged drug traffickers as ‘unlawful combatants,’ justifying the use of military force. This approach has sparked growing frustration on Capitol Hill, with Republicans demanding more information on the legal basis for the strikes, while Democrats argue they violate both U.S. and international law. In a statement on the command’s Facebook page, Holsey expressed pride in his 37 years of service, emphasizing the contributions of the SOUTHCOM team to national defense. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also praised Holsey’s dedication in a social media post, thanking him for his decades of service. The Pentagon has not provided further details, referring inquiries to Hegseth’s statement. The New York Times first reported Holsey’s retirement plans.
US commander overseeing fatal strikes against alleged drug boats off Venezuela will retire
