Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has just revealed the real plan behind the huge U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. He confirmed that the action is mainly focused on putting strong pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This news comes as the top U.S. general visits troops in Puerto Rico on Monday, showing how serious the situation is.
This operation is called Operation Southern Spear, and the White House has not officially commented on it yet. You need to understand how big this is: it’s the largest military operation the region has seen since the Cuban Missile Crisis. We’re talking about a serious gathering of military power, including bombers, Marines, and warships, all coming together near Venezuela.
According to Fox News, War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the first immediate goal of the mission. He said in an “X” post that the operation aims to clear “narco-terrorists” out of the Western Hemisphere. This strike hit a drug vessel in the Eastern Pacific that was run by a designated terrorist organization. So far, the military has carried out more than 20 strikes against suspected drug trafficking boats.
The anti-drug mission masks a deeper strategic goal
While the anti-drug mission is clearly happening, Pompeo suggests that the operation is much more complicated than just taking out drug runners. “I do think that this administration understands that this is all part of a larger puzzle,” Pompeo explained.
The final goal, according to the former CIA director, is to increase the pressure on the Maduro regime. When MacCallum directly asked if President Trump wants to see Maduro “toppled,” Pompeo stressed that the administration is “very serious” about creating a chance for the Venezuelan people to choose new leadership.
President Trump ordered action — and the Department of War is delivering.
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 13, 2025
Today, I’m announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR.
Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our…
This isn’t just about regional politics either. This is about national security right here in our own neighborhood. Pompeo pointed out the alarming amount of foreign support Maduro is getting, specifically from the Cubans, the Russians, and the Chinese. “And getting rid of Maduro gives the Venezuelan people a shot and keeps us safer,” Pompeo added.
The Justice Department has accused Maduro of leading a drug trafficking and narco-terrorism organization since 2020. It’s a serious charge that provides the background for why the U.S. is pushing so hard now. However, some recent strikes have raised questions, especially regarding the Caribbean boat incident lacking evidence.
.@mikepompeo: Venezuela Is Part Of A Larger Puzzle
— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) November 25, 2025
"I do think that this Administration understands that this is all part of a larger puzzle. The Venezuelans, supported by the Cubans, the Russians, and the Chinese now in our own neighborhood and getting rid of Maduro gives the… pic.twitter.com/jncMxPDxDr
The aggressive military position hasn’t gone unnoticed by the intended target. The Trump administration has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford to head toward the U.S. Southern Command area, prompting President Maduro to accuse President Trump of “fabricating a new eternal war.” This is definitely an intense escalation.
Pompeo noted that trying to remove Maduro isn’t a new goal. Even the Obama administration wanted Maduro gone, and the first Trump administration was unsuccessful in removing him. However, Pompeo believes the situation is different now, and the Venezuelan people have become “willing to do more.”
The current pressure campaign is absolutely relentless, but Pompeo remains cautiously hopeful about the outcome. He feels that the administration is “very serious about continuing to increase the pressure on the regime so that the Venezuelan people get a chance to have a leadership that can actually protect them and give them a shot at prosperity.” Meanwhile, concerns have emerged about military personnel seeking legal counsel regarding orders.
