U.S. launches Operation Southern Spear, unveiling new robotic fleet to target cartels

The United States is launching a major new military and surveillance campaign in the Western Hemisphere, deploying an unprecedented mix of robotic air and sea vessels to counter Latin American drug-trafficking cartels.

Called Operation Southern Spear, the initiative was formally announced Thursday night by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said through his X account that the mission follows a direct order from President Donald Trump.

“President Trump ordered action — and the Department of War is delivering,” Hegseth said. “Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighborhood — and we will protect it.”

The campaign will be led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in coordination with U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, headquartered at Naval Station Mayport in Florida. Operations are expected to begin later this month.