Category: Puerto Rico

How the US is preparing a military staging ground near Venezuela + the 160th SOAR(A)

Tina Marie (Ms. Cat)

The United States military is upgrading a long-abandoned former Cold War naval base in the Caribbean, a Reuters visual investigation has found, suggesting preparations for sustained operations that could help support possible actions inside Venezuela. 

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“The land is going to be next,” he said.

How the US is preparing a military staging ground near Venezuela

Related:

Venezuela Flashpoint: Real-Time Intelligence Analysis

Compounding these indicators is also the confirmed presence of United States special forces support assets (Ocean Trader / Night Stalkers) in the theatre of operations. Washington also authorised Langley to conduct covert action in Venezuela through a presidential finding reported on October through credible media outlets. Grey Dynamics’ real-time monitoring and analysis of the situation aims to deliver continuous updates and verified intelligence on the ongoing flashpoint.

Night Stalkers = 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), abbreviated as 160th SOAR(A), is a special operations force of the United States Army that provides helicopter aviation support for special operations forces. Its missions have included attack, assault, and reconnaissance, and these missions are usually conducted at night, at high speeds, low altitudes, and on short notice.

“The US actions against Venezuela are reinforced by Dutch ships.”

Tina Marie (Ms. Cat)

Venezuela and US edge toward war footing − but domestic concerns, international risks may hold Washington back

For the moment, SouthCom is framing the campaign as enhanced counternarcotics operations, rather than a prelude to a blockade or invasion. Statements have highlighted joint patrols and interdiction efforts with the Royal Netherlands Navy, Canada, the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom, and the humanitarian or information-sharing nature of missions.

Related:

Unprecedented US Military Build-Up Near Venezuela Is Sign Of Possible War

Biden wasn’t aware for days that Defense Secretary Austin was hospitalized

Tina Marie (Ms. Cat)2 Comments

President Joe Biden was not aware for days that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was hospitalized, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan ultimately informed Biden late Thursday afternoon, soon after Sullivan himself learned Austin had been hospitalized, the source said. Austin was admitted to the hospital on New Year’s Day due to complications from an elective surgery.

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Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks periodically assumed the duties of the defense secretary while she was on vacation in Puerto Rico during the time Austin was hospitalized, two US officials said. Hicks had arrived in Puerto Rico prior to Austin’s hospitalization.

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The congressional oversight committees were not notified of Austin’s hospitalization until Friday night, according to three congressional aides familiar with the matter.

Biden wasn’t aware for days that Defense Secretary Austin was hospitalized

How’s that promise to be transparent going, Biden?! /s

A group of US representatives call for an end to the Monroe Doctrine and interventionism in Latin America

Tina Marie (Ms. Cat)

Two centuries after the speech that inaugurated the United States’ policy toward the region, five Democratic lawmakers call for an end to the Cuban embargo and the declassification of secret CIA files, as well as reforms to the IMF and the OAS

A group of US representatives call for an end to the Monroe Doctrine and interventionism in Latin America

Doubtful that this will ever happen.

Previously:

AOC-Led Delegation Can Push for New Approach to Latin America