The US admiral responsible for overseeing controversial strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean said Thursday he will retire just a year into his tenure.

Admiral Alvin Holsey is leaving his position as head of US Southern Command, which is responsible for US forces operating in Central and South America.

Washington has deployed significant forces -- including stealth warplanes and seven Navy ships -- as part of what it says are counter-narcotics efforts in the region.

So far, US forces have carried out strikes against at least five alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean that have left 27 people dead -- a campaign which experts say is illegal.

The buildup has sparked fears in Caracas that the ultimate goal is regime change in Venezuela.

"Effective 12 Decemb

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