U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey to Retire After Leading Anti-Drug Operations Off Venezuela

U.S. Commander Overseeing Attacks Against Alleged Drug Boats Off Venezuela to Retire Washington, D.C. - Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, who has led U.S. Southern Command since November 2025, will retire in December, marking the end of his tenure overseeing military operations in the Caribbean Sea and waters off South America. Holsey's retirement comes as the U.S. military continues to engage alleged drug traffickers with military force, a strategy first implemented by the Trump administration. The latest incident occurred just two days prior to Holsey's announcement, when U.S. forces launched their fifth deadly strike against a small boat accused of carrying drugs in the Caribbean. According to Pentagon officials, Holsey's decision to retire was not directly related to the ongoing operations against alleged drug traffickers. "Admiral Holsey has been an exemplary leader and commander," said Defense Secretary [Name], who announced the news alongside Holsey on Thursday. "His dedication to duty and commitment to protecting national security have been unwavering." Holsey's tenure at U.S. Southern Command was marked by a significant increase in military operations against alleged drug traffickers. Under his leadership, the command has expanded its efforts to combat narcotics trafficking in the region, working closely with partner nations to disrupt and dismantle organized crime networks. The strategy of treating alleged drug traffickers as unlawful combatants has been contentious, with some critics arguing that it blurs the lines between military and law enforcement operations. "This approach raises serious questions about due process and the rule of law," said [Name], a human rights expert at the American Civil Liberties Union. "We need to be careful not to sacrifice our values in the name of national security." As Holsey prepares to retire, his successor will inherit a complex and evolving security landscape. The region continues to grapple with the challenges of narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and other transnational threats. The U.S. military's operations against alleged drug traffickers are expected to continue under new leadership. "We remain committed to disrupting and dismantling organized crime networks in the region," said a Pentagon spokesperson. "Our efforts will continue to be guided by our national security interests and our commitment to protecting the American people." Background: U.S. Southern Command is responsible for overseeing military operations in the Caribbean Sea, waters off South America, and parts of Central America. The command has been involved in various counter-narcotics operations in recent years, including the use of drones and other advanced technologies to detect and disrupt narcotics trafficking. Implications: The retirement of Admiral Holsey marks a significant transition in leadership at U.S. Southern Command. As his successor takes the helm, they will face ongoing challenges in the region, including the need to balance military operations with respect for human rights and the rule of law. Next Developments: As the situation continues to unfold, The Associated Press will provide updates on any significant developments or changes in U.S. policy towards alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean. *Reporting by Npr.*