Alvin Holsey

Head of US Southern Command Overseeing Drug Boat Strikes Steps Down Amid Concerns

Following concerns about the attacks on alleged Venezuelan drug boats, Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of the U.S. Southern Command, has announced his retirement. These strikes, which have resulted in the deaths of 27 people, have been carried out by Special Operations forces on boats off the Venezuelan coast, as the White House claims they are transporting drugs. The timing of Holsey’s retirement is notable, occurring less than a year after he assumed his current role, and the New York Times reports he expressed concerns about the mission. While the Trump administration claims these actions are part of a non-international armed conflict, questions about the legality of the strikes and the lack of evidence have been raised by some.

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John Q. Hosedrinker Oct 17, 2025