US Marine Corps general, commander of US Southern Command since Feb 5, 2026
The U.S. Southern Command has confirmed lethal strikes against low-profile vessels linked to drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean. The administration is pressing allied nations to extend operations onto land; critics warn of civilian harm and legal questions. Officials say the goal is to disrupt narco-terror networks and stem drug flows into the United States.
The United States has begun a six-month review of troops in Europe and has removed several senior officers tied to Ukraine aid. Officials warn the shift risks eroding expertise in modern warfare, while diplomats say credibility is at stake as China concentrates on pressure points.