KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and BEN FINLEY.

FILE - Paraguay's President Santiago Peña awards the Order of Merit "Gral Div Bernardino Caballero" in the grade of "Gran Cross", to Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of US Southern Command, at Government Palace in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File)

US commander overseeing fatal strikes against alleged drug boats off Venezuela will retire

The commander of U.S. military operations in the region where forces have been attacking alleged drug boats says he will retire in December. Adm. Alvin Holsey became the leader of U.S. Southern Command only in November, overseeing an area that encompasses the Caribbean Sea and waters off South America. These types of postings typically last between three and four years. The news of Holsey’s upcoming retirement comes two days after the U.S. military struck another boat that was allegedly carrying drugs off the coast of Venezuela. The deadly strikes have drawn criticism from some lawmakers in Washington who question the legality of such attacks.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to a gathering of top U.S. military commanders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Quantico, Va. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

As Hegseth orders changes to the Pentagon watchdog, advocates say that will silence complaints

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accused the independent watchdog for the Pentagon of being “weaponized” and says he’s overhauling the inspector general’s office. That would upend the way that service members report abuse and other problems in the ranks. Hegseth unveiled the plans during a speech to an unusual gathering of hundreds of top military leaders this week. He also signed a memo ordering the inspector general to identify anyone who makes a complaint instead of letting them be anonymous, among other things. It’s raised concerns among advocates and experts who say the changes would undo years of progress that have helped protect women and minorities from abuse as well as shutter avenues to file legitimate complaints.

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