"The U.S. military's top officer overseeingoperations in Central and South America will leave his assignment well ahead of schedule, officials said Thursday - an abrupt, surprising departure as President Donald Trump shows interest in extending his administration's campaign of violence against drug cartels in the region. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command, will retire at the end of the year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement posted on social media."
"Hegseth did not disclose a reason for the move, instead expressing "deepest gratitude" to the admiral for his 37 years of service and crediting him with "a legacy of operational excellence and strategic vision." Hegseth acknowledged the move minutes after the New York Times reported that Holsey was expected to exit prematurely. A spokesperson for U.S. Southern Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment."
"Two people familiar with the matter said that Hegseth had grown disenchanted with Holsey and wanted him to step aside. The scrutiny began about a month ago - around the time that the Trump administration began ordering deadly strikes on alleged drug boats off the coast of Venezuela, they said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive issue."
Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, head of U.S. Southern Command, will retire at the end of the year after less than a year in the role. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Holsey's departure without offering a reason while praising his 37 years of service and operational leadership. Two sources said Hegseth grew disenchanted and sought Holsey's removal, with scrutiny increasing about a month ago as the administration began ordering deadly strikes on suspected drug boats off Venezuela's coast. Holsey will leave before serving the customary three-year tour and may retire at a lower rank than a four-star admiral.
Read at The Washington Post
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