Holsey’s resignation comes in the context of a increased fighting in the Caribbeanwhere the United States in recent weeks intensified its military operations near the Venezuelan coast.
The admiral’s decision would have responded to internal differences with the Pentagon about the intervention strategy in the region and the recent armed missions deployed in waters near the South American country.
The message from the American admiral
Holsey, who commanded the United States Army Southern Commandwill not only leave that position but also will close a career of more than 37 years in the Navy.
In his farewell message published on the official account of the Southern Command, he expressed: “Effective December 12, 2025, I will be retiring from the United States Navy. Serving as your commander and second for the past 34 months has been a great honor.”
And he added: “The Southern Command team has done lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so.”
Five recent attacks and 27 dead
During the last six weeks, the American forces they carried out five armed operations against vessels from Venezuelaunder the justification of fight drug trafficking. The president himself donald trump stated after each offensive that the ships were “linked to drug trafficking networks”.
The last operation occurred on last tuesdayand according to preliminary reports, the attacks left a balance of 27 people dead.
These actions contributed to raise diplomatic and military tension between both countries, with crossed accusations and warnings of a possible escalation of war in the Caribbean.
A withdrawal in the midst of the US conflict with Venezuela
Holsey’s resignation was interpreted in the international media as a high-impact movement within the US military apparatusjust when The United States and Venezuela are going through one of the most delicate moments in their bilateral relationship.
Although he Department of Defense avoided detailing the official reasons, the leaks to the press point to a deep disagreement about the direction of the military operations in the region.
In his final publication in xthe admiral summarized his farewell with an institutional message:
“It has been an honor to serve our nation, the American people, and support and defend the Constitution for more than 37 years”.
The departure of the head of the Southern Command leaves open the question of who will assume leadership of United States military operations in Latin America in the midst of a increasingly volatile regional situation.
Source: Ambito
