New SOUTHCOM Commander Warns Of Regional Threats

The new  U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Commander has committed to strengthening partnerships in Latin America and the Caribbean while warning against evolving threats in the region. U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey assumed command of SOUTHCOM from U.S. Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson during a change-of-command ceremony last week. A SOUTHCOM release quoted Holsey saying, “Partnerships are our best deterrence to countering shared security and economic concerns. “We will always be there for like-minded nations, who share our values, our democracy, our rule of law, and human rights,” he declared. Regarding evolving threats, Holsey observed that SOUTHCOM is at the front of strategic competition. “Our adversaries have established a strong presence, jeopardizing security and stability across the Americas. The People’s Republic of China and Russia… seek to undermine democracy while gaining power and influence in the region,” said Holsey. “Transnational criminal organizations create and exploit this permissive environment while undermining the rule of law and disrupting legitimate government functions. Transboundary threats exist as well, from irregular migration, climate change, eroding democracies, to food and water insecurity,” the SOUTHCOM release quoted him saying. SOUTHCOM is responsible for U.S. defense and security cooperation with partner nations in the Caribbean, Central America and South...