• Adm. Alvin Holsey announces retirement after 37 years of service.
• His departure comes amid increased military operations against drug boats off Venezuela.
• Tension rises in Congress over legal justifications for military actions.

Adm. Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is set to retire in December after 37 years of military service, as confirmed in a statement he posted on social media. Holsey, who took command last November, has overseen a significant increase in military operations targeting alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and off the coast of Venezuela. Recent military actions include five strikes, instigating heightened scrutiny and controversy regarding their legality, particularly in light of U.S. assertions treating these alleged traffickers as unlawful combatants, according to CBS News, NPR, and Los Angeles Times.

Holsey's retirement announcement follows a series of strikes that have intensified tensions not only with drug cartels but also with the Venezuelan government, which has accused the U.S. of aggression. His leadership at SOUTHCOM was marked by increased military presence in the Caribbean region, as the Trump administration deployed additional naval assets and troops to combat drug trafficking. The strikes have raised questions among lawmakers in Congress, with some Republicans demanding more information about the administration's legal framework for such military actions while Democrats argue they violate international law, as reported by CBS News, NPR, and Los Angeles Times.

In his statement, Holsey expressed gratitude for his service and confidence in his team's efforts, emphasizing their contributions to national defense and the promotion of U.S. values globally. "It’s been an honor to serve our nation, the American people and support and defend our Constitution for over 37 years," Holsey stated, signifying his commitment to military service. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed these sentiments, praising Holsey for his dedication and exceptional service, as cited in CBS News, NPR, and Los Angeles Times.