U.S. Southern Command

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is a unified combatant command of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for military operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Recent news highlights SOUTHCOM's increased activity in combating drug trafficking, particularly in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, through deadly strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels. These operations are part of a broader U.S. effort against drug cartels, with Defense Secretary Hegseth urging Latin American allies to take a more offensive stance. SOUTHCOM is also involved in interventions related to Venezuela, including seizing sanctioned oil tankers as part of an effort to control Venezuelan oil exports and, notably, capturing former leader Nicolás Maduro. The head of SOUTHCOM even made a surprise visit to Venezuela to meet with the new acting president. These actions underscore SOUTHCOM's significant role in regional security and U.S. foreign policy objectives in the Americas.