U.S. Admiral Forced into Early Retirement Over Caribbean Raids Opposition
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a recent Wall Street Journal report confirms that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested the resignation of Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. forces in Latin America, after months of tension.
The disagreements reportedly began following Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2021, intensifying when Holsey questioned the legality of lethal attacks on boats in the Caribbean. Two Pentagon officials told the Wall Street Journal that Hegseth had been unhappy with Holsey.
Holsey’s unexpected retirement, announced in October, came shortly after the Trump administration launched a series of attacks on boats suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in at least 87 deaths.
The Washington Post previously reported rumors that Holsey’s departure was linked to disagreements with Hegseth over military actions in the Caribbean. These reports were initially denied by the Department of Defense.
Holsey relinquished his command on Friday in a ceremony at the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) headquarters near Miami, transferring duties to Major General Evan Petes of the U.S. Air Force.
At his farewell ceremony, Holsey made no mention of U.S. military operations in Latin America or the reasons for his early retirement.
Earlier this week, Holsey briefed some members of Congress in a closed-door session amidst increasing criticism of the military campaign.
The military campaign has faced increasing criticism and questions from the U.S. Congress.
The Pentagon announced Holsey’s unexpected retirement in October, over a month after the beginning of the Trump administration’s attacks on boats suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
Former Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Todd Robinson, described Holsey’s departure as “shocking” in the midst of what the Pentagon considers a pivotal operation in the Western Hemisphere.
One Pentagon official told the Daily Beast that Holsey was not fired but was “asked to retire with dignity.”
The Friday ceremony was reportedly simpler and less attended than previous retirements, held outdoors. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not attend, as President Trump has yet to formally nominate Holsey’s successor.
General Dan Kean, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also made no mention of military operations in Latin America, describing Holsey as a low-profile commander.
