USSOUTHCOM Admiral Retires Early Amid Scrutiny of Deadly Boat Strikes

• Adm. Alvin Holsey retired early from his command overseeing US military operations in Latin America, handing over to Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus.
• Holsey's departure comes amid increased scrutiny over the Trump administration's deadly strikes on alleged drug boats, which have killed at least 87 people.
• Congress is scrutinizing the legality of 22 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, which the Trump administration defends as an "armed conflict" against cartels.
• Holsey briefed lawmakers, but questions persist regarding the strikes, and his early retirement is part of a trend of high-level military departures under Defense Secretary Hegseth.

Why It Matters: Admiral's early exit signals scrutiny of controversial US military strikes.