US Military Strikes Caribbean Drug Vessels Amid Admiral’s Exit

The United States military reportedly carried out a strike on another alleged drug smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, amid the surprise announcement of Admiral Alvin Holsey’s early retirement. The admiral oversees operations under the Trump administration’s controversial campaign targeting drug trafficking in the region.

A US official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the Thursday strike, noting that, for the first time, there were survivors among the crew. Details about the incident remain scarce, and neither the Pentagon nor President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed the attack.

Background on Recent Strikes

Since early September, the US has conducted five strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean, killing at least 27 people. These operations have drawn criticism from legal experts, rights organizations, and Democratic lawmakers, who question their legality under US and international law.

The Trump administration maintains that these strikes are lawful because they target “narco-terrorist” groups from Venezuela, with traffickers deemed unlawful combatants eligible for military force.

Venezuela and Regional Reactions

Venezuela has consistently condemned the strikes. On Thursday, Samuel Moncada, Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, urged the UN Security Council to investigate what he called a “series of assassinations.” Moncada highlighted the recent attack on a small boat, confirmed by President Trump, which reportedly killed six people, including two fishermen from Trinidad and Tobago.

“People from different countries … are suffering the effects of these massacres,” Moncada said, asserting that the US is “fabricating a war.” Only a few miles separate Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, and local fishermen have reportedly been alarmed by the ongoing strikes.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has not commented on the latest strike. Following Washington’s first strike on September 3, she controversially stated she had “no sympathy for traffickers” and supported US military action.

US Military Buildup in the Caribbean

The strikes occur amid a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean. Since late August, the US has deployed guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and approximately 6,500 troops to combat drug trafficking.

President Trump has also considered potential land strikes against Venezuelan cartels and authorized covert CIA operations inside Venezuela. Caracas accuses the US of attempting to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington claims leads a narco-empire and has offered a $50 million reward for.

Speaking on national television, Maduro condemned the US operations, warning against regime change and citing parallels with “endless, failed wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and so on.”

Admiral Holsey Announces Early Retirement

On Thursday, Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of US Southern Command responsible for operations in Central and South America, announced he will retire effective December 12, 2025, two years ahead of schedule. Holsey did not provide a reason for his early departure.

“It’s been an honor to serve our nation, the American people and support and defend the Constitution for over 37 years,” Holsey said in a statement posted on Southern Command’s X account.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised Holsey’s career on X, stating that the admiral “demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation” and highlighted his “legacy of operational excellence and strategic vision.”