2026-02-07

Three U.S. warships deployed under Operation Southern Spear represent most visible American military presence in years USS Stockdale guided-missile destroyer provides advanced warfare capabilities far exceeding typical counter-narcotics missions Deployment timed precisely with CPT expiration signals intent to prevent institutional collapse or gang exploitation Embassy characterizes presence as deterrence and support not intervention but critics worry about perception of foreign occupation Secretary Rubio's remarks about stronger military posture provide doctrinal justification for expanded force presence Visible naval deployment demonstrates credible threat capability while supporting Fils-Aime government transition