Admiral Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), announced his retirement effective December 12 2025, ending a 37‑year Navy career after less than a year in the post.

While no official reason was given, reporting by The New York Times suggests Holsey voiced concerns over the command’s Caribbean operations—particularly a buildup of forces and the controversial bombing of five boats the Trump administration labeled drug‑laden without presenting evidence.

Pentagon spokesman Pete Hegseth praised Holsey, yet insiders say the commendation masked deeper policy disputes about the U.S. strategy toward Venezuela. Reuters cited sources indicating tension between Holsey and Hegseth and speculation that Holsey might have been dismissed.

Critics argue the boat strikes amount to extrajudicial killings and that the true aim of the campaign is to topple President Nicolás Maduro, using drug‑trafficking accusations as a pretext while the CIA prepares covert lethal actions and the military weighs direct airstrikes on Venezuelan soil.

Besides, if the aggressive policy is justified, it takes an honest man to relinquish power in order to stay true to his ideas.

janus