The announcement of “Operation Southern Spear” by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth marks a significant escalation in the United States’ efforts to confront the growing threat of drug cartels and hostile posturing in the Western Hemisphere. Launched under President Donald Trump’s direction, the operation aims to defend the homeland by targeting narco-terrorism at its source—on the seas and routes used to funnel deadly substances like fentanyl and cocaine into American communities.

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Hegseth emphasized that the operation, led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in cooperation with U.S. Southern Command, is designed to remove cartel influence from the region and stop the flow of drugs that have devastated countless American families. The mission reflects a broader commitment by the administration to protect the Western Hemisphere, which Hegseth described as “America’s neighborhood.”

This development occurs amid rapidly rising tensions with Venezuela. The Maduro regime announced a massive military mobilization of roughly 200,000 soldiers, staging drills in response to what it calls an “imperialist threat” from the United States. The U.S., however, has framed its posture as a defensive measure rooted in protecting Americans from criminal networks operating far beyond Venezuela’s borders. The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the nation’s most advanced aircraft carrier, underscores the seriousness with which the administration views these threats.

The United States has already destroyed roughly 20 cartel vessels and submarines involved in trafficking narcotics—demonstrating the scale and complexity of the battle. These actions have drawn criticism from some European officials, who have accused the U.S. of violating international law. In response, Secretary of State Marco Rubio challenged the inconsistency of those critiques, noting that European nations readily ask the United States for powerful weapons systems to defend their own turf, yet object when America positions assets to defend its own hemisphere.

Operation Southern Spear is not just a military effort—it is a test of resolve, discernment, and stewardship. Christians are called to pray for peace, justice, and the protection of human life as the United States navigates the challenges ahead.

How are you praying for Secretary Hegseth and the Trump administration as it combats cartels? Share your prayers and scriptures below.

(Excerpt from The Daily Wire. Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)