Hegseth creates SOUTHCOM-based Operation Southern Spear

War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday afternoon announced the creation of a new anti-drug trafficking mission, dubbed "Operation Southern Spear," which will be focused on removing "narco-terrorists" from the Western Hemisphere. 

The operation comes the same day the Trump administration confirmed its 20th military strike on alleged drug boats it believes were attempting to smuggle illicit drugs into the United States. At least 80 people have died in the strikes so far. 

Hegseth said the new mission is being led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and the U.S. Southern Command to defend the United States, remove narco-terrorists from the "hemisphere," and protect Americans from the flow of illicit drugs.

"The Western Hemisphere is America’s neighborhood – and we will protect it," he added in a post on X.

The new operation also comes after American allies criticized U.S. missile strikes on alleged drug boats, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot telling reporters Tuesday that he believes the attacks against them are in violation of international law.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the operations on Wednesday, stating Europe does not get to dictate how America defends its national security.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.