U.S. Southern Command Official Website

Jan 07 2026

Maritime Interdiction Operation, Jan. 7, 2026

In a pre-dawn action Jan. 7, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident.
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Dec 31 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 31, 2025

On Dec. 31, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.
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Dec 31 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 30, 2025

On Dec. 30, at the direction of Secretary of war Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted kinetic strikes against three narco-trafficking vessels traveling as a convoy.
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U.S. military members in camouflage uniforms and helmets point rifles.

Oct 31 2025

Multimedia of Operation Southern Spear

Download released photos and videos of forces deployed to the Caribbean in support of Operation Southern Spear.
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Maritime Interdiction Operation, Jan. 7, 2026

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 31, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 30, 2025

Multimedia of U.S. Forces in the Caribbean

Priorities

STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS

U.S. Naval Ship Comfort pulls into port in Miami, Florida

COUNTER THREATS

U.S., Chilean Marines conduct live-fire ranges during Exercise UNITAS 2024

BUILD OUR TEAM

U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, boards the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, USS Chosin (CG 65) for a reception night, Panama, April 7, 2025. U.S. Southern Command and the Panamanian security forces collaborate to ensure and maintain regional stability during natural disasters, medical catastrophes or regional conflicts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)

News

Operation Southern Spear | Jan. 7, 2026

Maritime Interdiction Operation, Jan. 7, 2026

In a pre-dawn action Jan. 7, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident.

Operation Southern Spear | Dec. 31, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 31, 2025

On Dec. 31, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

Operation Southern Spear | Dec. 31, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strikes, Dec. 30, 2025

On Dec. 30, at the direction of Secretary of war Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted kinetic strikes against three narco-trafficking vessels traveling as a convoy.

Operation Southern Spear | Dec. 29, 2025

Lethal Kinetic Strike, Dec. 29, 2025

On Dec. 29, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters.

SOUTHCOM Commander

official bio photo of Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan L. Pettus is the Acting Commander of U.S. Southern Command. Lt. Gen. Pettus assumed command Dec. 12, 2025.

Lt. Gen. Pettus Bio

SOUTHCOM Components

U.S. Air Forces Southern

U.S. Army South logo U.S. Army South

Marine Forces South logo U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

4th Fleet logo U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command /
U.S. 4th Fleet

SOCSOUTH logo U.S. Special Operations Command South

Task Forces & Units

Joint Task Force Bravo logos Joint Task Force-Bravo

Joint Task Force Guantanamo logo Joint Task Force-Guantanamo

Joint Interagency Task Force South

Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation

Naval Small Craft Instruction & Technical Training School

Inter American Air Forces Academy

Videos

Video by Courtesy

Maritime Interdiction Operation, Jan. 7, 2026

U.S. Southern Command

Jan. 7, 2026 | 0:31

In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident. The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition. Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere. We will defend our Homeland and restore security and strength across the Americas.