Louise Schiavone

U.S.

Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, who's been in charge of U.S.

military forces in Latin America for a year, today relinquished his duties two years early.

Holsey, who was responsible for U.S.

military activity in Central and South America and the Caribbean, had previously raised concerns about boat strikes in the Caribbean.

While at his post, he stressed the importance of regional military cooperations.

Holsey's post ordinarily lasts three or four years.

No explanation for the change has been offered, and a replacement for Holsey has not been announced.

Some members of the U.S.

military are seeking advice from outside groups, fearing they could face legal consequences for any involvement in the Trump administration's deadly strikes on suspected drug boats.

Over the past three months, the U.S.

has blown up more than 20 such vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, killing over 80 people.

NPR's Ryan Lucas has details.

The Israeli government has approved a number of new settlements in the occupied West Bank, stoking fears of annexation of the territory.

NPR's Hadil Al-Shalshi has the latest.

On Wall Street at this hour, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down, the Nasdaq off 374.

This is NPR News in Washington.

Lindsey Vonn has scored her 44th win in World Cup downhill skiing with her first win since March of 2018.

The 41-year-old Vonn took the World Cup prize at St.

Moritz in Switzerland.