India, Oct. 17 -- The admiral who heads the United States military forces in Latin America will retire at the end of this year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday.

The retirement comes two years ahead of schedule, and amid rising tensions with Venezuela, with the US conducting strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats.

Holsey's departure comes in the backdrop of a military buildup in the Caribbean, which includes US-guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine and around 6,500 troops.

Hegseth, in the social media post announcing Holsey's retirement, did not reveal the reason for his stepping down.

Holsey, too, in his post did not mention a reason for the decision, while stating that he would retir...