WASHINGTON, United States — Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of US Southern Command, has announced his retirement, effective December 12, 2025, just one year into his tenure. Holsey’s departure comes amid a controversial counter-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean, which has seen US forces conduct strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, resulting in 27 fatalities. Critics argue these operations are illegal, while regional powers, particularly Venezuela, fear they may be a precursor to regime change.