The U.S. reaffirms its military power in the Caribbean and issues a warning to the governments of the region

The United States Southern Command reaffirmed its commitment to security in the Western Hemisphere through Operation Southern Spear, a military initiative aimed at strengthening the U.S. presence in the Caribbean and sending a clear message to the governments of the region.

In a message posted on its official X account (formerly Twitter), the U.S. Southern Command emphasized that U.S. military forces remain deployed in its area of responsibility, supporting the priorities of President Donald Trump and under the direction of the Department of Defense, with the aim of disrupting drug trafficking and protecting the national territory.

“Through the Operation Southern Lance, the U.S. armed forces demonstrate the nation's commitment to security in the Western Hemisphere. The region is not a permissive environment for malicious actors or illegal activities,” the statement said.

The message is interpreted as a geopolitical warning to the governments of Caribbean countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Cuba, whose governments have been linked to smuggling networks, drug trafficking, and intelligence operations in the Caribbean and South America.

Washington has repeatedly stated that it closely monitors any attempts at destabilization or hostile foreign influence in the region.

Just two days ago, the U.S. Southern Command issued another warning. It was directed at vessels linked to the so-called "dark fleet," which are used to transport Venezuelan oil and support networks of illegal financing.

Under the Trump administration, and with Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the forefront of foreign policy, the United States has adopted a firmer stance against the authoritarian governments of Havana and Caracas, which it holds responsible for promoting illicit activities and alliances with rival powers such as Russia, Iran, and China.

The Southern Lance Operation is part of the regular operations of the Southern Command, involving units from the Navy, the Air Force, and the U.S. Marine Corps, deployed in strategic areas of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

This military deployment is not new, but the message conveyed reaffirms U.S. control over the region and its willingness to act against emerging threats.

The statement from Southern Command comes at a time when the Cuban regime is facing a deep economic and social crisis, while international pressure for a democratic transition in Venezuela is increasing. The warning, in this context, emphasizes that Washington is keeping Cuba under observation.