Exclusive: US to launch new phase of Venezuela operations, sources say, and the news is… well, let’s just say it’s generating a lot of buzz. My initial thought is, this is happening, right? It seems pretty clear, given the chatter. The idea of a new phase, a renewed push, is definitely in the air.
This whole thing feels a little… familiar. The “war on drugs” excuse, the talk of national security, it’s all been done before. And frankly, the optics are terrible, especially when you consider some of the things that have been happening alongside it. There’s the whole issue of pardoning people who are actually involved in drug trafficking, the very thing they’re supposedly fighting.… Continue reading
Trump says US may open talks with Venezuela’s Maduro, and that certainly raises some eyebrows. It’s hard not to notice a certain pattern here. He’s got a history of making bold statements about potential actions, and let’s just say, sometimes those words come before a more forceful response. It’s like a pre-emptive announcement, a warning shot, or maybe even a calculated play in a larger game.
The whole situation has a distinct air of a shakedown, doesn’t it? It seems almost obvious in retrospect. Like the playbook is familiar. It’s hard not to recall similar scenarios from the past. Didn’t he employ a similar strategy before… well, you get the idea.… Continue reading
Reports from Russian Telegram channels indicate that Ukraine’s military targeted and damaged the Volgograd oil refinery overnight on November 6, amid a wider drone attack on the Volgograd Oblast. Local residents documented the reported attack, noting flashes in the sky and damage to a residential building and several homes, resulting in one fatality. The refinery, a key supplier of fuel to the Russian military, is operated by Lukoil. Concurrent to the Volgograd attack, a thermal power plant in Volgorechensk, Kostroma Oblast, and a Russian oil depot in occupied Crimea were also reportedly struck.
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On the night of November 3-4, Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike on the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Oblast using over fifty Ukrainian-made drones. The attack targeted a rectification column undergoing repair, crucial for primary oil processing. Videos from Russian sources documented explosions and a fire at the refinery, a major supplier of fuel, particularly for the Moscow Oblast, and a key producer for the Russian military and defense industry. The refinery’s substantial output includes various fuel types and other products.
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On October 29th, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Ulyanovsk Oblast and a chemical plant in Stavropol Krai, according to Russian Telegram channels. The strike on the NS-Oil refinery in Novospasskoye resulted in a large blaze, while the attack on the Stavrolen chemical plant, a Lukoil subsidiary, reportedly caused a radiating fire. These reported attacks are part of Kyiv’s ongoing campaign against Russian infrastructure that supports its war efforts. These reports arrive amid a large Ukrainian drone attack on various Russian regions, including an instance of drones being downed en-route to Moscow.
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A recent document linked to the arrest of a Ukrainian scientist suggests Russia may have long-term ambitions to exploit Antarctica’s oil reserves, despite the existing mining ban under the Antarctic Treaty’s environmental protocol. The document, which outlines Russia’s opposition to proposed marine protected areas, explicitly mentions the potential loss of opportunity to develop hydrocarbon resources. This raises concerns among experts, particularly in light of Russia’s previous activities and its influence in the region. Calls are growing for Russia to clarify its position regarding the exploration and potential exploitation of Antarctica’s resources, with Australia already voicing its expectation that all parties abide by the mining ban.
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The United States has amassed a significant military presence in the Caribbean, including warships and a nuclear submarine, while also threatening direct military action against Venezuela. This build-up is ostensibly to combat drug trafficking, but evidence suggests the claims against the Venezuelan government are fabricated. Experts assert Venezuela is not a significant player in the drug trade. The primary motivation appears to be regime change, with potential scenarios ranging from continued extrajudicial killings to air strikes or a full-scale military invasion. Such intervention could destabilize the region, worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and ironically, empower drug cartels.
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In a significant military escalation, the U.S. is deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group to the waters off South America. This move, announced by the Pentagon, aims to enhance the U.S.’s ability to counter illicit activities. Simultaneously, the military has intensified strikes on suspected drug-running vessels, with the most recent targeting the Tren de Aragua gang. These actions, coupled with increased military presence and rhetoric comparing the drug crackdown to the war on terror, have sparked concerns and speculation regarding the administration’s intentions in the region.
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The United States imposed sanctions on major Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to curb the Kremlin’s oil revenues and pressure Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. In response, Putin stated that Russia would not bow to US pressure but acknowledged some economic losses. China and India, major consumers of Russian oil, were reportedly scaling back imports due to the sanctions. While some Russian officials acknowledged potential economic impact, others predicted Moscow would adapt to the new restrictions.
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The US has escalated its involvement in Venezuela, conducting lethal strikes on alleged cartel boats and authorizing covert CIA operations, possibly to remove President Maduro. This has fueled speculation about potential military action, including strikes on land, targeting either drug operations or the regime itself. While the administration has prioritized removing Maduro, it’s unclear if the US will pursue a full-scale intervention, although it’s clear the US is continuing a long-held policy of removing Maduro. These actions, framed through the lens of combating drugs and migration, are drawing concerns over the legality and potential consequences of regime change. The situation remains uncertain, with a range of possible outcomes from continued strikes to more direct intervention.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker