The Pentagon announced Friday that President Donald Trump has nominated a Marine lieutenant general to lead the U.S. Southern Command overseeing operations in Latin America, as the President simultaneously stated he does not rule out war with Venezuela.
If confirmed by the Senate, Lieutenant General Francis L. Donovan of the Marine Corps will succeed an admiral who, according to press reports, voiced criticism of attacks on suspected drug smuggling vessels off the coast of Venezuela.
Washington has deployed a significant military presence in the Caribbean and the Pacific, where it has bombed vessels it alleges are involved in drug trafficking.
These operations have resulted in more than 100 deaths, according to a count by AFP using official information. Venezuela maintains that the U.S. actions are part of a plot to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro and seize control of the country’s oil reserves.
In a statement released Friday on the Pentagon’s website, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Trump’s nomination of Lieutenant General Donovan to head the U.S. Southern Command (SouthCom).
The nominee currently serves as the deputy commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, according to the Department of Defense.
This nomination comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. President Trump has, for weeks, alluded to the possibility of intervention in the South American nation.
During an interview with NBC on Thursday, aired Friday evening, the President stated he does not “discard” the possibility of war with Venezuela, and also threatened a petroleum blockade.
The Trump administration is applying what it calls “maximum pressure” against Maduro and his government, officially accusing them – with the support of the U.S. justice system – of leading a drug trafficking cartel, the alleged “Cartel of the Suns.”
Reservations Regarding Caribbean Operations
In the interview, Trump declined to state whether he desires to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, stating, “He knows exactly what I want.” He added, “He knows it better than anyone.”
The United Nations Security Council will meet Tuesday to address the situation between the two countries, following Washington’s announcement of a blockade of ships transporting oil to and from the South American nation.
“It is clear that the current status quo with the Venezuelan regime is intolerable for the United States,” stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio Friday, promising firm enforcement of the Caribbean blockade against sanctioned oil tankers.
The Treasury Department also announced new sanctions against relatives of a nephew of Maduro who was arrested, imprisoned on drug trafficking charges in the United States in 2017, and later released in a prisoner exchange.
The new SOUTHCOM commander, if confirmed, will succeed Admiral Alvin Holsey, who announced in mid-October his retirement effective December 12th.
U.S. media reports indicate Holsey had expressed reservations about the naval attacks conducted by the United States in the Caribbean and Pacific as part of what the administration claims is a fight against drug trafficking.
However, neither Admiral Holsey nor Secretary Hegseth have offered any explanation beyond retirement for Holsey’s departure, a pattern observed with numerous high-ranking military officials who have left their posts since Trump took office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the U.S. Southern Command?
The U.S. Southern Command is responsible for military operations in Central and South America, as well as some Caribbean territories, according to the Pentagon.
Has the U.S. military engaged in direct conflict with Venezuela?
The U.S. military has bombed vessels it alleges are involved in drug trafficking, resulting in more than 100 deaths, according to a count by AFP. These actions have been condemned by the Venezuelan government.
What is the “Cartel of the Suns”?
The Trump administration accuses President Maduro and his government of leading a drug trafficking cartel known as the “Cartel of the Suns,” with the support of the U.S. justice system.
Given the escalating tensions and the potential for further military action, how might regional stability be impacted by the current situation between the U.S. and Venezuela?
