The head of US military operations in Latin America will resign at the end of this year, announced Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday, two years earlier than expected, amid rising tensions with Venezuela. A source revealed that Admiral Alvin Holsey and Hegseth had disagreements over Caribbean operations, sparking speculation of a possible dismissal.
Senator Jack Reed, the leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed concerns over Holsey’s sudden resignation, especially in light of growing apprehensions about potential US-Venezuela conflict. The reasons for Holsey’s departure were not disclosed by Hegseth, although Holsey, one of the two Black four-star officers leading a US combatant command, announced his retirement on December 12 without explanation.
Against the backdrop of increased military presence in the Caribbean, including US destroyer ships, F-35 jets, a nuclear submarine, and about 6,500 troops, President Donald Trump’s standoff with Venezuela intensifies. Recent US military actions against suspected drug vessels near Venezuela resulted in the deaths of at least 27 individuals, prompting legal and political scrutiny.
President Trump’s authorization of covert CIA operations in Venezuela fueled speculation in Caracas about US intentions towards President Nicolas Maduro. Holsey’s resignation adds to the list of high-ranking officers leaving their posts since Hegseth assumed leadership at the Pentagon. The Pentagon recently announced a change in command for counter-narcotics operations in the region, assigning II Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Lejeune to lead instead of the Southern Command based in Miami, surprising many military observers.