Venezuela has reported the capture of mercenaries allegedly linked to the CIA, claiming they were planning a “false flag” operation intended to instigate a military conflict. This accusation comes amid heightened tensions, as the U.S. has increased military presence in the Caribbean and conducted strikes on alleged drug vessels, drawing criticism and concerns about international law violations. U.S. officials, however, maintain the operations are aimed at combating drug trafficking. The U.S. military is also conducting joint exercises with Trinidad and Tobago, further escalating the situation, with many suggesting the exercises are aimed at removing Maduro from power.
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The CIA is playing a central role in the Trump administration’s lethal air strikes against suspected drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean Sea, providing real-time intelligence from satellites and intercepts to identify targets. Although the U.S. military carries out the actual missile strikes, the CIA’s intelligence gathering is critical in recommending which vessels to target. Because the CIA’s intelligence is not designed to be public or used as legal evidence, the sources and methods used for selecting targets will likely remain secret. Experts express concern that such strikes on civilian targets may be illegal under international law.
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President Donald Trump has confirmed he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations within Venezuela, citing concerns over drug trafficking and the release of prisoners into the U.S. This acknowledgment follows recent U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean against alleged drug smuggling boats, some originating from Venezuela. The administration is also considering potential land operations and has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants. This has drawn criticism, with Venezuela condemning the actions and some U.S. lawmakers raising concerns about the administration’s escalation without Congressional authorization.
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President Trump has confirmed authorization for the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, citing concerns over drug trafficking and the release of Venezuelan prisoners into the United States. This admission, unusually candid for a US leader, follows reports of US strikes on suspected drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean, drawing criticism from UN-appointed human rights experts. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose legitimacy is disputed, has appealed for peace and condemned CIA-orchestrated coups. The exact nature and objectives of the CIA’s operations remain unclear, fueling fears in Caracas of potential US intervention.
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President Trump publicly acknowledged authorizing the CIA to take action in Venezuela, citing concerns about prisoners being released into the U.S. and drug trafficking. The president’s comments followed reports of the administration authorizing covert, lethal action in the country. Trump also stated that U.S. military strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean, an option also being considered on land, had saved American lives, despite experts’ claims that fentanyl is not primarily transported by boat. The administration has offered different explanations for these actions, portraying them as a means to combat drug cartels, while also applying pressure on the Venezuelan regime.
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FAA plans to furlough 11,000 employees in a US government shutdown. It’s a stark reality that’s looming over many right now, and the implications are, well, significant. It makes you wonder, where do these people who keep us safe fit in? Will they be among those forced to work without pay? It’s a legitimate concern, especially when we consider the crucial role these employees play in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel.
FAA plans to furlough 11,000 employees in a US government shutdown, but not all of them. We know that over 13,000 air traffic controllers, vital for keeping the skies safe, will be required to continue working, even without immediate pay.… Continue reading
The Army has identified the four soldiers who died in a helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. The victims, members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, included Chief Warrant Officers Andrew Cully and Andrew Kraus, and Sergeants Donavon Scott and Jadalyn Good. The MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was on a routine training flight when it crashed, and the cause of the incident is currently under investigation. This marks the second deadly crash for this elite unit in recent years, highlighting the inherent risks associated with their specialized nighttime missions.
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Four U.S. Army soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known for nighttime missions, died in a Black Hawk helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. The crash occurred during a routine training mission Wednesday night, and the cause is currently under investigation. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and the names of the soldiers will be released when appropriate. This incident marks the second deadly crash for this elite unit in recent years.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood