U.S. SOUTHCOM Activates Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere to Combat Narcoterrorism
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), replacing Operation Southern Spear. The new task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) to disrupt narcoterrorism networks. It will coordinate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and multinational operations, imposing "total systemic friction" against threats. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard will command the task force, which also supports humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
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New SOUTHCOM Permanent Cartel Task Force Will Expand Air Force Role
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has transitioned from the temporary Joint Task Force-Southern Spear to a permanent Joint Task Force-Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), announced by SOUTHCOM commander Marine Corps Gen. Francis Donovan on August 3, 2026. The new task force, commanded by Marine Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrad, is described as a purpose-built headquarters to confront threats across the hemisphere, working with 18 partner nations in the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, notably excluding Mexico and Colombia. The Air Force's role is expected to grow, with the 12th Air Force (AFSOUTH) having executed 1,700 sorties, transported 27,000 tons of cargo, and over 4,500 personnel during the previous operation. AFSOUTH will now integrate air, space, and cyber capabilities to support JTF-WHEM's mission, focusing on counter-narcotics and pressuring criminal organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
New SOUTHCOM Permanent Cartel Task Force Will Expand Air Force Role
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has transitioned from the temporary Joint Task Force-Southern Spear to a permanent Joint Task Force-Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) to combat cartels in Latin America and the Caribbean. The new task force, announced by SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis Donovan, will work with 18 partner nations in the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, notably excluding Mexico and Colombia. The U.S. Air Force's role is expected to grow, with the 12th Air Force (AFSOUTH) having executed 1,700 sorties, transported 27,000 tons of cargo, and overseen up to 150 aircraft during the previous operation. JTF-WHEM will integrate air, space, and cyber capabilities to impose sustained pressure on criminal organizations and strengthen regional security.
SOUTHCOM replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere task force targeting criminal networks
U.S. Southern Command has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. The task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region, focusing on disrupting, dismantling, and defeating narcoterrorism networks. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, SOUTHCOM commander, described JTF-WHEM as a purpose-built joint task force that will integrate military capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force will coordinate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, operational planning, and multinational coordination. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force. SOUTHCOM officials emphasized that JTF-WHEM represents an evolution from Operation Southern Spear, which employed precise kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations, by advancing a whole-of-government, multinational approach to impose 'total systemic friction' against threats across the hemisphere.
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U.S. Southern Command Activates Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere to Target Criminal Networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. Announced on August 6, 2026, by Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region, focusing on disrupting, dismantling, and defeating narcoterrorism networks. JTF-WHEM will integrate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, operational planning, and multinational coordination, working with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force is described as SOUTHCOM's 'action arm' to impose 'total systemic friction' against threats. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force, which builds on the precise kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations of Operation Southern Spear.
SOUTHCOM replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere task force targeting criminal networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. Announced on August 6, 2026, by Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region, focusing on disrupting, dismantling, and defeating narcoterrorism networks. JTF-WHEM will integrate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and multinational coordination with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the task force. The activation represents an evolution from Operation Southern Spear's precise kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations toward a broader whole-of-government, multinational approach to impose 'total systemic friction' against threats across the hemisphere.
SOUTHCOM replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere task force targeting criminal networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. The task force, announced by Gen. Francis L. Donovan on August 6, 2026, aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region. JTF-WHEM will coordinate with the 18 nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat narcoterrorism networks through expanded bilateral and multilateral cooperation in border security, countering threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. The task force integrates intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, operational planning, and multinational coordination. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force, which SOUTHCOM describes as its 'action arm' focused on imposing 'total systemic friction' against threats across the hemisphere.
SOUTHCOM Replaces Operation Southern Spear with New Western Hemisphere Task Force
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. Announced by Gen. Francis L. Donovan on August 6, 2026, the task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region, focusing on disrupting, dismantling, and defeating narcoterrorism networks. JTF-WHEM will integrate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and coordinate with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the task force. The activation represents an evolution from Operation Southern Spear's kinetic strikes and maritime interdictions toward a broader, multinational approach to impose 'total systemic friction' against transnational criminal organizations.
SOUTHCOM Replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere Task Force Targeting Criminal Networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. Announced on August 6, 2026, by Gen. Francis L. Donovan, the task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region, specifically targeting narcoterrorism networks. JTF-WHEM will integrate military capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force focuses on imposing 'total systemic friction' against threats through intelligence sharing, combined training, and multinational coordination. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force, which builds on Southern Spear's kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks.
SOUTHCOM replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere task force targeting criminal networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. The task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region, targeting narcoterrorism networks. Gen. Francis L. Donovan directed the activation, describing JTF-WHEM as a purpose-built joint task force providing unified command and control while integrating military capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force will focus on imposing 'total systemic friction' against threats, building on Southern Spear's kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force. JTF-WHEM will coordinate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, operational planning, multinational coordination, and support humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
SOUTHCOM replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere task force targeting criminal networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. The task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat narcoterrorism networks. Gen. Francis L. Donovan directed the activation, describing JTF-WHEM as a purpose-built joint task force providing unified command and control while integrating capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). SOUTHCOM Media Relations Officer Steven McLoud stated the task force represents an evolution from Operation Southern Spear, which employed precise kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations. JTF-WHEM will coordinate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, operational planning, multinational coordination, and support intelligence sharing, combined training, and humanitarian assistance. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force.
SOUTHCOM replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere task force targeting criminal networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. The task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat narcoterrorism networks. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, SOUTHCOM commander, directed the activation, describing JTF-WHEM as a purpose-built joint task force providing unified command and control while integrating military capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force will coordinate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, operational planning, and multinational cooperation. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force, which builds on Operation Southern Spear's precise kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations by imposing 'total systemic friction' against threats across the hemisphere.
SOUTHCOM Replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere Task Force Targeting Criminal Networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. The task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region, focusing on disrupting, dismantling, and defeating narcoterrorism networks. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, SOUTHCOM commander, described JTF-WHEM as a purpose-built joint task force that will integrate military capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force will coordinate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, operational planning, and multinational coordination. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force. SOUTHCOM officials stated the activation represents an evolution from Operation Southern Spear, which employed precise kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations, to a more comprehensive approach imposing 'total systemic friction' against threats across the hemisphere.
SOUTHCOM activates Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere to replace Operation Southern Spear
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. The task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region, focusing on disrupting, dismantling, and defeating narcoterrorism networks. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, SOUTHCOM commander, described JTF-WHEM as a purpose-built joint task force that will integrate military capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force will coordinate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, operational planning, and multinational coordination. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force. SOUTHCOM officials stated the activation represents an evolution from Operation Southern Spear, which employed precise kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations, toward a broader whole-of-government, multinational approach to impose 'total systemic friction' against threats across the hemisphere.
SOUTHCOM Replaces Operation Southern Spear with New Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. Announced by Gen. Francis L. Donovan on August 6, 2026, the task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). SOUTHCOM Media Relations Officer Steven McLoud stated JTF-WHEM will impose 'total systemic friction' against narcoterrorism networks, building on Southern Spear's kinetic strikes and maritime interdictions. The task force integrates intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and multinational coordination to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat transnational criminal organizations. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force, which also supports humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
SOUTHCOM replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere task force targeting criminal networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. The task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat narcoterrorism networks. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, SOUTHCOM commander, directed the activation, describing JTF-WHEM as a purpose-built joint task force providing unified command and control at tactical and operational levels. It integrates military capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force will focus on imposing 'total systemic friction' against threats, building on Southern Spear's precise kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force, which will also support intelligence sharing, combined training, interoperability, partner-capacity building, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
SOUTHCOM replaces Southern Spear with Western Hemisphere task force targeting criminal networks
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. The task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat narcoterrorism networks. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, SOUTHCOM commander, directed the activation, describing JTF-WHEM as a purpose-built joint task force providing unified command and control while integrating capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force will coordinate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, operational planning, and multinational cooperation, focusing on border security, countering threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force, which builds on Operation Southern Spear's precise kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations by imposing 'total systemic friction' against transnational criminal organizations.
SOUTHCOM activates Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere to replace Operation Southern Spear
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM), a new operational headquarters replacing Operation Southern Spear. Announced by Gen. Francis L. Donovan on August 6, 2026, the task force aims to synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners across the region, focusing on disrupting, dismantling, and defeating narcoterrorism networks. JTF-WHEM will integrate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and multinational coordination, working with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C). The task force is described as SOUTHCOM's 'action arm' to impose 'total systemic friction' against threats. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard has been selected to command the new task force, which builds on Operation Southern Spear's kinetic strikes and maritime interdiction operations.