SOUTHCOM commander who oversaw drug boat strikes resigns

Published October 16, 2025 5:32pm ET



A top admiral who oversaw the alleged drug boat strikes off the coast of Venezuela is stepping down from his role, War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced.

Adm. Alvin Holsey, the leader of the U.S. Southern Command, served for more than 37 years and commanded several recent strikes on suspected drug trafficker boats off the coast of Venezuela.

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