danielboon
TB Fanatic
In 24 hours cuba willrun out of airplane fuel
View: https://twitter.com/EndGameWW3/status/2020659625687933316
INTL US military deploying forces to southern Caribbean against drug groups (Update Post #1306)
- Thread starter jward
- Start date
energy_wave
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Cuba's ruling class can either accept Trump's offer or suffer the wrath of those they oppressed.
Which will be brutal, imo. Lets hope for the latter. They deserve what they get.
Which will be brutal, imo. Lets hope for the latter. They deserve what they get.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Out of jet fuel
Cuba says international airlines can no longer refuel there as Trump turns up the pressure
8 hours ago
CNBC
Cuba says international airlines can no longer refuel there as Trump turns up the pressure
8 hours ago
CNBC
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Trump urged to impose ‘zero tolerance and total pressure’ on Cuba – as expert warns regime will try to ‘dupe’ US
3 hours ago
New York Post Exclusive | Trump urged to impose ‘zero tolerance and total pressure’ on Cuba – as expert warns regime will try to ‘dupe’ US
3 hours ago
New York Post Exclusive | Trump urged to impose ‘zero tolerance and total pressure’ on Cuba – as expert warns regime will try to ‘dupe’ US
auxman
Deus vult...
US SOUTHCOM:
On Feb. 9, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two narco-terrorists were killed and one survived the strike. Following the engagement, USSOUTHCOM immediately notified U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:11
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2021023735881564262
On Feb. 9, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two narco-terrorists were killed and one survived the strike. Following the engagement, USSOUTHCOM immediately notified U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:11
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2021023735881564262
Officially he's "charge d'affaires" and nor "ambassador".
ETA: That all said and done, if what I'm hearing is correct either they're just packing their bags or they're conducting an internal witch hunt right now.
Last edited:
He is very much a “man of the people” and greatly loved by the everyday Cubans, and correspondently feared by the gvt. He is trilingual, and I suspect he is an “MK” ( missionary kid”).
Posted for fair use......
By Samuel Ben-Ur | February 11, 2026 |
On February 8, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa vanished from the streets of Caracas in what allies called a kidnapping, a development that could jeopardize US policy progress and efforts to stabilize the country. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had expressed optimism days earlier, telling US lawmakers that Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez was cooperating with US priorities, including signing a new hydrocarbons law that dismantles the monopoly of Petroleos de Venezuela’s (PDVSA), Venezuela’s state oil company, over the industry. However, Guanipa’s disappearance and later house arrest cast doubt on whether the repression networks that were active under former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro are still operating during the country’s transition.
Rubio’s testimony and US policy direction
On January 28, Rubio testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he outlined the Trump administration’s objectives and constraints in Venezuela. Rubio stated that the United States does not anticipate further military action and that the only US personnel currently in the country are Marine guards assigned to secure the reopened US embassy in Caracas.
Rubio also claimed that the interim Venezuelan government has begun discussions aimed at reducing or eliminating the presence and influence of Iran, China, and Russia within the country, and described US communications with the acting government as “respectful and productive.”
During the same week, Rubio met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, citing this engagement as evidence that Washington continues to work with opposition figures alongside interim government authorities.
Rubio acknowledged congressional concerns regarding executive authority and oversight. Democratic senators questioned whether the continued presence of Maduro-era officials in Venezuela’s government undermines the administration’s stated goal of democratic transition. Rubio declined to provide a timeline for elections but said conditions in Venezuela would improve “within months.”
In February, the Trump administration prepared to issue temporary no-bid licenses to US oil trading firms, allowing them to monetize seized Venezuelan crude while Washington develops longer-term commercial arrangements, potentially involving refineries and companies such as Chevron.
Earlier in January, a bipartisan War Powers resolution aimed at restricting further unilateral US military action in Venezuela narrowly failed.
Venezuela’s new oil law and sanctions relief
On January 29, acting President Rodríguez signed a sweeping hydrocarbons law that restructures Venezuela’s oil sector after the National Assembly unanimously approved the legislation through an expedited process led by Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy’s brother.
The law dismantles PDVSA’s monopoly on hydrocarbons by allowing private and foreign firms to operate oil projects, hold majority stakes, commercialize production independently, and manage revenues without PDVSA intermediation. While the state retains ownership of subsurface resources, the law allows private operators to assume full operational control if they meet technical qualification requirements.
The reform introduces investor protections by granting access to international arbitration and removing the requirement that Venezuelan courts exclusively adjudicate disputes. It caps royalty rates at 30 percent, reduces certain taxes, and grants the executive branch discretion to offer fiscal incentives to attract investment.
Within hours of the law’s passage, the US Treasury Department expanded sanctions relief by issuing licenses that allow US companies to purchase Venezuelan crude and operate more freely in the country.
US officials stated that Venezuelan oil revenue will be managed indefinitely through US-approved mechanisms and directed toward imports, debt servicing, and reconstruction rather than discretionary government spending. The US also halted subsidized Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba in early February.
Venezuelan opposition lawmakers raised concerns about transparency and oversight, warning that the absence of public revenue-tracking mechanisms risks replicating past corruption. The ruling majority rejected proposed amendments that would have required the public disclosure of oil revenues.
Kidnapping of opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa
On February 8, opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa disappeared in Caracas hours after his release from prison. Guanipa, a senior figure in the Justice First party and an ally of Machado, had been detained for more than eight months on charges that the opposition widely described as politically motivated.
According to Machado, heavily armed men in civilian clothing abducted Guanipa around midnight using multiple unmarked vehicles. Machado publicly described the incident as a kidnapping and demanded Guanipa’s immediate release.
Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab later claimed that Guanipa had violated the conditions of his release, which included travel restrictions and periodic court appearances, but did not confirm that authorities had detained him nor disclose his whereabouts. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Guanipa had been re-arrested for “calling people to the streets.”
Earlier that day, Guanipa had publicly denounced the interim government as illegitimate and urged Venezuelans to push for a democratic transition. His disappearance intensified fears among opposition figures that security services or regime factions continue to operate beyond civilian oversight.
Guanipa was moved to house arrest on February 10. “He has been released from prison but remains under house arrest. […] He cannot make statements, he cannot go out. That is to say, he is less free than he was on Sunday,” Ramón Guanipa, Juan Pablo’s son, said.
Delcy Rodríguez’s interim leadership
Formerly Venezuela’s vice president, Rodríguez assumed the presidency on January 5 following Maduro’s removal. Reporting since Maduro’s capture indicates that she and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, quietly signaled a willingness to cooperate with the US and regional intermediaries in advance of her predecessor’s capture.
Since taking office, Rodríguez has coordinated closely with US officials, including engaging in direct communication with President Donald Trump and Rubio during negotiations over the oil law. She has publicly called for the establishment of regular bilateral channels and described cooperation with Washington as necessary for her country’s economic recovery.
Rodríguez’s government has aligned with some US priorities, including opening the energy sector, prioritizing US access to Venezuelan oil, redirecting oil revenues through US-approved mechanisms, and ending energy support to Cuba. Trump stated that Rodríguez’s political survival depends on adherence to these commitments and has cited Maduro’s fate as an explicit warning.
Samuel Ben-Ur is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Kidnapping of opposition leader threatens US momentum in Venezuela
The kidnapping of Juan Pablo Guanipa on February 8 raised worries that Venezuela’s Maduro-era repression apparatus remains active, even as US and Venezuelan authorities moved forward on political and economic reforms. Among these developments were the passage of a hydrocarbons law that ended the...
www.longwarjournal.org
Kidnapping of opposition leader threatens US momentum in Venezuela
By Samuel Ben-Ur | February 11, 2026 |
On February 8, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa vanished from the streets of Caracas in what allies called a kidnapping, a development that could jeopardize US policy progress and efforts to stabilize the country. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had expressed optimism days earlier, telling US lawmakers that Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez was cooperating with US priorities, including signing a new hydrocarbons law that dismantles the monopoly of Petroleos de Venezuela’s (PDVSA), Venezuela’s state oil company, over the industry. However, Guanipa’s disappearance and later house arrest cast doubt on whether the repression networks that were active under former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro are still operating during the country’s transition.
Rubio’s testimony and US policy direction
On January 28, Rubio testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he outlined the Trump administration’s objectives and constraints in Venezuela. Rubio stated that the United States does not anticipate further military action and that the only US personnel currently in the country are Marine guards assigned to secure the reopened US embassy in Caracas.
Rubio also claimed that the interim Venezuelan government has begun discussions aimed at reducing or eliminating the presence and influence of Iran, China, and Russia within the country, and described US communications with the acting government as “respectful and productive.”
During the same week, Rubio met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, citing this engagement as evidence that Washington continues to work with opposition figures alongside interim government authorities.
Rubio acknowledged congressional concerns regarding executive authority and oversight. Democratic senators questioned whether the continued presence of Maduro-era officials in Venezuela’s government undermines the administration’s stated goal of democratic transition. Rubio declined to provide a timeline for elections but said conditions in Venezuela would improve “within months.”
In February, the Trump administration prepared to issue temporary no-bid licenses to US oil trading firms, allowing them to monetize seized Venezuelan crude while Washington develops longer-term commercial arrangements, potentially involving refineries and companies such as Chevron.
Earlier in January, a bipartisan War Powers resolution aimed at restricting further unilateral US military action in Venezuela narrowly failed.
Venezuela’s new oil law and sanctions relief
On January 29, acting President Rodríguez signed a sweeping hydrocarbons law that restructures Venezuela’s oil sector after the National Assembly unanimously approved the legislation through an expedited process led by Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy’s brother.
The law dismantles PDVSA’s monopoly on hydrocarbons by allowing private and foreign firms to operate oil projects, hold majority stakes, commercialize production independently, and manage revenues without PDVSA intermediation. While the state retains ownership of subsurface resources, the law allows private operators to assume full operational control if they meet technical qualification requirements.
The reform introduces investor protections by granting access to international arbitration and removing the requirement that Venezuelan courts exclusively adjudicate disputes. It caps royalty rates at 30 percent, reduces certain taxes, and grants the executive branch discretion to offer fiscal incentives to attract investment.
Within hours of the law’s passage, the US Treasury Department expanded sanctions relief by issuing licenses that allow US companies to purchase Venezuelan crude and operate more freely in the country.
US officials stated that Venezuelan oil revenue will be managed indefinitely through US-approved mechanisms and directed toward imports, debt servicing, and reconstruction rather than discretionary government spending. The US also halted subsidized Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba in early February.
Venezuelan opposition lawmakers raised concerns about transparency and oversight, warning that the absence of public revenue-tracking mechanisms risks replicating past corruption. The ruling majority rejected proposed amendments that would have required the public disclosure of oil revenues.
Kidnapping of opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa
On February 8, opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa disappeared in Caracas hours after his release from prison. Guanipa, a senior figure in the Justice First party and an ally of Machado, had been detained for more than eight months on charges that the opposition widely described as politically motivated.
According to Machado, heavily armed men in civilian clothing abducted Guanipa around midnight using multiple unmarked vehicles. Machado publicly described the incident as a kidnapping and demanded Guanipa’s immediate release.
Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab later claimed that Guanipa had violated the conditions of his release, which included travel restrictions and periodic court appearances, but did not confirm that authorities had detained him nor disclose his whereabouts. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Guanipa had been re-arrested for “calling people to the streets.”
Earlier that day, Guanipa had publicly denounced the interim government as illegitimate and urged Venezuelans to push for a democratic transition. His disappearance intensified fears among opposition figures that security services or regime factions continue to operate beyond civilian oversight.
Guanipa was moved to house arrest on February 10. “He has been released from prison but remains under house arrest. […] He cannot make statements, he cannot go out. That is to say, he is less free than he was on Sunday,” Ramón Guanipa, Juan Pablo’s son, said.
Delcy Rodríguez’s interim leadership
Formerly Venezuela’s vice president, Rodríguez assumed the presidency on January 5 following Maduro’s removal. Reporting since Maduro’s capture indicates that she and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, quietly signaled a willingness to cooperate with the US and regional intermediaries in advance of her predecessor’s capture.
Since taking office, Rodríguez has coordinated closely with US officials, including engaging in direct communication with President Donald Trump and Rubio during negotiations over the oil law. She has publicly called for the establishment of regular bilateral channels and described cooperation with Washington as necessary for her country’s economic recovery.
Rodríguez’s government has aligned with some US priorities, including opening the energy sector, prioritizing US access to Venezuelan oil, redirecting oil revenues through US-approved mechanisms, and ending energy support to Cuba. Trump stated that Rodríguez’s political survival depends on adherence to these commitments and has cited Maduro’s fate as an explicit warning.
Samuel Ben-Ur is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Plain Jane
Just Plain Jane
2 Mexican Navy ships laden with humanitarian aid dock in Cuba as US blockade sparks energy crisis
Mexico is sending two Navy ships with humanitarian aid to Cuba as tighter U.S. pressure worsens the island’s energy crisis.
apnews.com
2 Mexican Navy ships laden with humanitarian aid dock in Cuba as US blockade sparks energy crisis
By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ and MILEXSY DURÁN
Updated 10:53 AM EST, February 12, 2026
Leer en español
HAVANA (AP) — Two Mexican Navy ships laden with humanitarian aid docked in Cuba on Thursday as a U.S. blockade deepens the island’s energy crisis.The ships arrived two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country selling or providing oil to Cuba, prompting the island in recent days to ration energy.
The Mexican government said that one ship carried some 536 tons of food including milk, rice, beans, sardines, meat products, cookies, canned tuna, and vegetable oil, as well as personal hygiene items. The second ship carried just over 277 tons of powdered milk.
Yohandri Espinosa, a 34-year-old engineer, observed the ships arrive with his daughter and took pictures.
“This is incredibly important aid for the Cuban people at this moment,” he said. “We are living through difficult times of great need and uncertainty, and we don’t know how long we will be like this.”
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has called Trump’s threats an “energy blockade” and said it affects transportation, hospitals, schools, tourism and the production of food.
Cuban aviation officials warned airlines earlier this week that there isn’t enough fuel for airplanes to refuel on the island. On Monday, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Cuba, while other airlines announced delays and layovers in the Dominican Republic before flights continued to Havana. The cuts in fuel are expected to be another blow to Cuba’s once thriving tourism economy.
“Sometimes you think that things are going to improve, but it’s not like that,” said Javier González, a Cuban who sat on Havana’s famed seawall watching the Mexican ships arrive. “We can’t stay how we are because it’s too hard. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday that as soon as the ships return, “we will send more support of different kinds.”
Sheinbaum has previously said the humanitarian aid would be sent while diplomatic maneuvering to resume oil supplies is underway. She says Mexico has told the United States it seeks to promote peaceful dialogue and ensure Cuba “can receive oil and its derivatives for its daily operations.”
Before Trump’s announcement, the state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos, Pemex, had already suspended crude oil shipments to Cuba in January, although it has not clarified the reasons behind that decision.
Cuba relied heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela that were halted when the U.S. attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its leader.
Cuba has also reduced bank hours and suspended cultural events, while fuel distribution companies have said that sales only will be made in dollars and limited to 20 liters (5.28 gallons) per user.
In addition to severe blackouts, Cuban officials say that U.S. sanctions, which increased under Trump’s second term, cost the country more than $7.5 billion between March 2024 and February 2025.
___
Associated Press reporter Fabiola Sánchez in Mexico City contributed to this report.
jward
passin' thru
TheIntelFrog
@TheIntelFrog
7h
The first US death under Operation Southern Spear has occurred.
US Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah of Jacksonville, FL fell overboard from the USS Iwo Jima on the 7th. After searching for 72 hours, the USMC has declared him lost at sea.
Ofrorah, 21, was a member of the 22nd MEU.
auxman
Deus vult...
US SOUTHCOM:
On Feb. 13, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:11
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2022469576332574908
On Feb. 13, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:11
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2022469576332574908
jward
passin' thru
CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil
@CBSEveningNews
3h
A strike Friday night killed three people and blew up a boat in the Caribbean sea, according to the U.S. Southern Command. This pushes the death toll in the Trump administration’s five-month-old campaign against suspected drug smugglers at sea to 133.
@CBSEveningNews
3h
A strike Friday night killed three people and blew up a boat in the Caribbean sea, according to the U.S. Southern Command. This pushes the death toll in the Trump administration’s five-month-old campaign against suspected drug smugglers at sea to 133.
jward
passin' thru
OSINTdefender
@sentdefender
2h
The U.S. Department of Defense announced this morning that forces under the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) carried out a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding on the Panamanian-flagged crude oil tanker M/T VERONICA III in the Indian Ocean early this morning without incident, after tracking the vessel - which was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels linked to Venezuela - from the Caribbean Sea in early January. The vessel has been listed on the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control Sanctions list since at least December of 2024.
Visegrád 24
@visegrad24
4h
BREAKING:
U.S. forces have boarded and seized the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker Veronica III
after following it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean.
The tanker has been transporting sanctioned Russia, Venezuelan and Iranian oil in recent years.
@sentdefender
2h
The U.S. Department of Defense announced this morning that forces under the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) carried out a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding on the Panamanian-flagged crude oil tanker M/T VERONICA III in the Indian Ocean early this morning without incident, after tracking the vessel - which was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels linked to Venezuela - from the Caribbean Sea in early January. The vessel has been listed on the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control Sanctions list since at least December of 2024.
Visegrád 24
@visegrad24
4h
BREAKING:
U.S. forces have boarded and seized the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker Veronica III
after following it from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean.
The tanker has been transporting sanctioned Russia, Venezuelan and Iranian oil in recent years.
jward
passin' thru
Square profile picture
The Epoch Times
@EpochTimes
32m
President Trump said a Venezuela-style operation in Cuba “wouldn’t be very tough” if negotiations collapse.
rt 44
View: https://twitter.com/EpochTimes/status/2023775220394332384?s=20
The Epoch Times
@EpochTimes
32m
President Trump said a Venezuela-style operation in Cuba “wouldn’t be very tough” if negotiations collapse.
rt 44
View: https://twitter.com/EpochTimes/status/2023775220394332384?s=20
auxman
Deus vult...
US SOUTHCOM:
Late on Feb. 16, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted three lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Eleven male narco-terrorists were killed during these actions, 4 on the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific, 4 on the second vessel in the Eastern Pacific, and 3 on the third vessel in the Caribbean. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:39
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2023791027383890240
Late on Feb. 16, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted three lethal kinetic strikes on three vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Eleven male narco-terrorists were killed during these actions, 4 on the first vessel in the Eastern Pacific, 4 on the second vessel in the Eastern Pacific, and 3 on the third vessel in the Caribbean. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:39
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2023791027383890240
Melodi
Disaster Cat
OK, I am finally going to say something, and it may not be popular, but UNLESS there is something WE DON'T KNOW, as far as I can tell, this is what this means.
Sure, Mr. President, I suspect it might not be that hard to dive in and kidnap whoever is viewed as El Presidente in Cuba this year and whisk them and their spouse (if they have one) out of the country, only killing a few hundred bodyguards/soldiers and perhaps destroying a building or three.
Then you can dump any support you had for the opposition you encouraged to destabilize the situation, and instead get a "really good deal" with the second or third person in the existing lineup to let them stay in power. As long as your buddies at the big multinational corporations are allowed to come in and take over whatever industries they want, in Venezuela's case, we want them in charge of oil, even if they don't want to - we will make a "deal" with those corporations as well - one we think they won't refuse lol!
In Cuba's case, I am not exactly sure what they want other than the removal of all things Russian, a US Military base or three, and probably getting the fast-food concession for Havana, along with a rebuilding of all those wonderful casinos, preferably in a new Trump Tower Block.
In reality, I suspect Trump will demand a bit more than this. I'm just not sure exactly what it is that he wants, as I'm not that up on Cuban resources, which, other than being close to the US, include tourism, sugar cane, and cigars; I'm not sure exactly what they have.
I suspect this is more about getting rid of the Russians than anything else, but I could be wrong.
But seriously, all I can see in terms of anything "longer term" (like 24 hours after the operation) that Trump has done in Venzuela is stomp on the exsiting opposition (or rather kind of throw them out with the trash) and then made a "deal" with the existing power structure provided they do what he wants when it comes to the oil business. This has been fairly quiet since at least one major oil company said it didn't want to take the risk of paying to rebuild it, and Trump's criticism of that company fell on deaf ears internationally. I suspect (but don't know) that the other big oil and energy international companies told Trump the same thing behind the scenes.
Which leaves Trump bragging about grabbing Chavez, but getting quiet about everything else, at least so far. Look for a "deal" with one or another oil company sometime in the next few months. One that quietly has the US funding most of the rebuilding, probably via "private" or military US contracts, in the name of "national" security.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan people are still starving, still in a mostly barter economy, and mostly worrying about not seeing their children going to bed hungry tomorrow.
Now, if anyone has any evidence to the contrary, I'd love to hear about it. I can't contact my sources inside the country, it would be too dangerous simply to satisfy my curiosity. Juanita may know more than I do; she has more connections these days.
auxman
Deus vult...
US SOUTHCOM:
On Feb. 20, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:16
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2025006036776878463
On Feb. 20, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:16
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2025006036776878463
jward
passin' thru
Peter Zeihan
@PeterZeihan
27m
With an energy collapse in motion, it could be the end for the Cuban government (which would open up a whole new can of worms).
rt 2m
View: https://twitter.com/PeterZeihan/status/2025216473338151044?s=20
@PeterZeihan
27m
With an energy collapse in motion, it could be the end for the Cuban government (which would open up a whole new can of worms).
rt 2m
View: https://twitter.com/PeterZeihan/status/2025216473338151044?s=20
jward
passin' thru
Sorry it's taken me so long to thank you for your post. I've had too much on my plate to get clear on my own thoughts about our moves there, tho in general I support the concept of clearing out and up this sphere of influence as we move from a unipolar to a multipolar reality... but I had hoped that the regular folk in Venezuela (and elsewhere) would see some small, but meaningful, improvements in their lives with the changes.
Not so much eh? Guess that's always the story of in this fallen world- the most innocent suffer most for the sins of the truly guilty.
Good to see you rejoin us and look fwd to hearing more from u in the future.
jward
passin' thru
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
48m
CUBA’S GRIP ON VENEZUELA IS LOOSENING
Cuban security advisers and doctors are quietly heading home from Venezuela as U.S. pressure piles up on Delcy Rodriguez to cool things with Cuba.
Rodriguez is sticking with her own bodyguards now, unlike Nicolas Maduro and Hugo Chavez who always relied on Cuban protection.
The U.S. has blocked oil shipments to Cuba, squeezing both sides and forcing shifts behind the scenes. Some Cuban advisers are still around, but the old tight Cuba–Venezuela setup isn’t what it used to be.
Feels like everyone’s waiting to see where the power settles.
Source: Reuters
@MarioNawfal
48m
CUBA’S GRIP ON VENEZUELA IS LOOSENING
Cuban security advisers and doctors are quietly heading home from Venezuela as U.S. pressure piles up on Delcy Rodriguez to cool things with Cuba.
Rodriguez is sticking with her own bodyguards now, unlike Nicolas Maduro and Hugo Chavez who always relied on Cuban protection.
The U.S. has blocked oil shipments to Cuba, squeezing both sides and forcing shifts behind the scenes. Some Cuban advisers are still around, but the old tight Cuba–Venezuela setup isn’t what it used to be.
Feels like everyone’s waiting to see where the power settles.
Source: Reuters
Cuban ambulances are out of fuel. But if you go out into the street to complain, TEN cop cars show up, and will have gas to take you to a prison.
The children of those in power are studying at universities abroad. Those same officials have been importing hot tubs, jet skies and Ferraris.
Food from the smorgasbords at the hotels is thrown out at the end of the day. However, countries are warning tourists to not go to Cuba, so hotels are being closed. Hotel employees must now stay at the hotels instead of going home every night because the buses are no longer running.
Garbage pickup has ceased, so the streets and country lanes are filling up with odiferous garbage, which people are picking through in hopes of finding food or something to resell.
Political prisoners rioted in a prison a day or two ago. The protest was put down brutally.
Medicine is unavailable. The gvt put in a request to Mexico for medicines. The Cuban people were not impressed to see that Viagara is on the list.
Funeral homes do not have gas to come to your home to pick up bodies. At least one person was buried in a refrigerator box.
Cubans love Trump, Marco and Mike, our ambassador.
We have recently sent in 3 million dollars worth of humanitarian supplies (food, medicine, etc.) to areas that were hit many months ago by a hurricane. We delivered it directly to the Catholic church, completely bypassing the gvt,. which would have sold t to Nicaragua. Another 3 million dollars worth is due to arrive any day now, if it hasn't already..
Schools are almost entirely shut down.
Freedom protests are occurring nightly. Antigovernment graffiti is appearing overnight.
People are living in flooded homes , unable to repair roofs.
If you have electricity 2 hours a day or every day or two, you try to consider yourself blessed....
Gvt and army officials supposedly have had their Swiss bank accounts frozen.
The churches continue to cry out to God.
If the country opens up, expat Cubans in Florida and elsewhere will make sure that their kinfolk eat, have meds, have adequate housing, etc.
If you read Spanish and care abt Cuba, connect with CubaNet Noticias on FB or download their app.
The children of those in power are studying at universities abroad. Those same officials have been importing hot tubs, jet skies and Ferraris.
Food from the smorgasbords at the hotels is thrown out at the end of the day. However, countries are warning tourists to not go to Cuba, so hotels are being closed. Hotel employees must now stay at the hotels instead of going home every night because the buses are no longer running.
Garbage pickup has ceased, so the streets and country lanes are filling up with odiferous garbage, which people are picking through in hopes of finding food or something to resell.
Political prisoners rioted in a prison a day or two ago. The protest was put down brutally.
Medicine is unavailable. The gvt put in a request to Mexico for medicines. The Cuban people were not impressed to see that Viagara is on the list.
Funeral homes do not have gas to come to your home to pick up bodies. At least one person was buried in a refrigerator box.
Cubans love Trump, Marco and Mike, our ambassador.
We have recently sent in 3 million dollars worth of humanitarian supplies (food, medicine, etc.) to areas that were hit many months ago by a hurricane. We delivered it directly to the Catholic church, completely bypassing the gvt,. which would have sold t to Nicaragua. Another 3 million dollars worth is due to arrive any day now, if it hasn't already..
Schools are almost entirely shut down.
Freedom protests are occurring nightly. Antigovernment graffiti is appearing overnight.
People are living in flooded homes , unable to repair roofs.
If you have electricity 2 hours a day or every day or two, you try to consider yourself blessed....
Gvt and army officials supposedly have had their Swiss bank accounts frozen.
The churches continue to cry out to God.
If the country opens up, expat Cubans in Florida and elsewhere will make sure that their kinfolk eat, have meds, have adequate housing, etc.
If you read Spanish and care abt Cuba, connect with CubaNet Noticias on FB or download their app.
Melodi
Disaster Cat
Thank you for that report on local conditions in Cuba. Do you have any on-the-ground information from Venezuela? My friend, the priest, has stopped posting anything that might be considered in any way political and switched entirely to religious messages - which is fine, except it shows a change. He was doing online sermons, but I haven't seen any of those for some time. Other people I know have simply stopped posting (probably for the best for their sake).
OSINTdefender
@sentdefender
16m
Cmdr. James Koffi, the Commanding Officer onboard the USS Truxtun (DDG-103), has been relieved of his duties by the Commander of U.S. 4th Fleet, Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, citing “loss of confidence,” following a collision between the Truxtun and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) during an underway refueling in the Caribbean Sea on February 11.
View: https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/2025764018841850313
@sentdefender
16m
Cmdr. James Koffi, the Commanding Officer onboard the USS Truxtun (DDG-103), has been relieved of his duties by the Commander of U.S. 4th Fleet, Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, citing “loss of confidence,” following a collision between the Truxtun and the Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) during an underway refueling in the Caribbean Sea on February 11.
View: https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/2025764018841850313
auxman
Deus vult...
US SOUTHCOM:
On Feb. 23, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:20
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2026006115428016257
On Feb. 23, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:20
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2026006115428016257
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Canada plans to assist Cuba while Washington squeezes the island
6 hours
6 hours
jward
passin' thru
Nick Sortor
@nicksortor
1h
BREAKING: President Trump the United States may stage a “friendly takeover” of Cuba
WOW!
“The Cuban government is talking with us… they’re in a great deal of trouble, as you know.
They have no money, they have no ANYTHING right now.”
rt 44
View: https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2027447975538995583?s=20
@nicksortor
1h
BREAKING: President Trump the United States may stage a “friendly takeover” of Cuba
WOW!
“The Cuban government is talking with us… they’re in a great deal of trouble, as you know.
They have no money, they have no ANYTHING right now.”
rt 44
View: https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2027447975538995583?s=20
auxman
Deus vult...
USSOUTHCOM:
On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.
Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.
“We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country.” - #SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.
@USembassyEc @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear #SOUTHCOM
RT 0:29
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2029011785567572285
On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.
Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.
“We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country.” - #SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.
@USembassyEc @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear #SOUTHCOM
RT 0:29
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2029011785567572285
onetimer
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Grounded Idealist
Hope Always
auxman
Deus vult...
USSOUTHCOM:
On March 8, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Six male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:11
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2030800534052196608
On March 8, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Six male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed. @DeptofWar #OpSouthernSpear
RT 0:11
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2030800534052196608
auxman
Deus vult...
SADefensa:
Bremerton, #UnitedStates ()
The @USNavy's spokesman for the carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), Lt. Cmdr. Peter Pagano, announced that the vessel would participate in exercises in the @Southcom AOR for #SouthernSeas2026.
The Nimitz was en route to Norfolk for decommissioning.
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2030666184933175639
Bremerton, #UnitedStates ()
The @USNavy's spokesman for the carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), Lt. Cmdr. Peter Pagano, announced that the vessel would participate in exercises in the @Southcom AOR for #SouthernSeas2026.
The Nimitz was en route to Norfolk for decommissioning.
View: https://twitter.com/i/status/2030666184933175639
Easier to keep it going now.
The Battleship Missouri was sent to reserve fleet in 1955, recommissioned in 86...probably wasn't cheep.
The Nimitz is still a working, floating airport.
We may need it soon.
Plain Jane
Just Plain Jane
US military kills 6 in strike on alleged drug boat in the Eastern Pacific
The U.S. military says it has killed six men in a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean as part of the Trump administration’s campaign against alleged traffickers.
apnews.com
US military kills 6 in strike on alleged drug boat in the Eastern Pacific
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said it killed six men Sunday in a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean as part of the Trump administration’s campaign against alleged traffickers.
Sunday’s attack brought the death toll to at least 157 people since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” in small vessels in early September.
As with most of the military’s statements on the more than 40 known strikes in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, U.S. Southern Command said it targeted alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. It posted a video on X that showed a small boat being blown up as it floated on the water.
President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing “narcoterrorists.”
In a meeting with Latin American leaders on Saturday, Trump encouraged them to join the U.S. in taking military action against drug-trafficking cartels and transnational gangs, which he said pose an “unacceptable threat” to the region’s national security.
To that end, Ecuador and the United States conducted military operations this past week against organized crime groups in the South American country.
With Saturday’s gathering, Trump aimed to demonstrate that he remains committed to focusing U.S. foreign policy on the Western Hemisphere, even while waging a war on Iran that has had repercussions across the Middle East.
Critics have questioned the overall legality of the boat strikes as well as their effectiveness, in part because the fentanyl behind many fatal overdoses is typically trafficked to the U.S. over land from Mexico, where it is produced with chemicals imported from China and India.
The boat strikes also drew intense criticism following the revelation that the military killed survivors of the very first boat attack with a follow-up strike. The Trump administration and many Republican lawmakers said it was legal and necessary, while Democratic lawmakers and legal experts said the killings were murder, if not a war crime.
jward
passin' thru
Curtis Houck
@CurtisHouck
32m
.@USAToday’s @Fran_Chambers: “With respect to Cuba, you said that Cuba wants to make a deal.”
Trump: “Yes.”
Chambers: “What would the United States get in return for that? And why should Americans trust Marco Rubio to negotiate it?”
Trump: “Well, Marco Rubio is doing a great job. I think he’s going to go down as the greatest secretary of state in history. Look at what we’ve done as a — as a presidency. Look at what we’ve done as an administration. They trust Marco, and so do the American people trust. He’s been successful no matter where he’s been. He also speaks the language, which is always nice and always helpful. But he’s dealing and it may be a friendly takeover. It may not be a friendly takeover. It wouldn’t matter because they’re really in — they’re down to, as they say, fumes. They have no energy, they have no money. They’re in deep trouble on a humanitarian basis.
And we don’t want to see that. But they were very, very bad to a lot of people, as you know, and a lot of people living are — the Cuban American vote, which I got at record levels, very important. Those people are very important to me. I know, I know what they went through. They went through hell. Some of them have gone on to be some of the most successful people in the country. Cuban American business people, some of them are like the most successful in the country. And a lot of them are friends of mine because I’ve been fighting this battle with them for a long time. The Castro regime was brutal, but they lived off Venezuela. Now, they don’t live off Venezuela — sends them no energy, no fuel, no oil, no money, no nothing. They lived without Venezuela. They couldn’t have made it. And we cut them off from everything else. So yeah, they’re going to make either a deal or we’ll do it just as easy anyway.”
@CurtisHouck
32m
.@USAToday’s @Fran_Chambers: “With respect to Cuba, you said that Cuba wants to make a deal.”
Trump: “Yes.”
Chambers: “What would the United States get in return for that? And why should Americans trust Marco Rubio to negotiate it?”
Trump: “Well, Marco Rubio is doing a great job. I think he’s going to go down as the greatest secretary of state in history. Look at what we’ve done as a — as a presidency. Look at what we’ve done as an administration. They trust Marco, and so do the American people trust. He’s been successful no matter where he’s been. He also speaks the language, which is always nice and always helpful. But he’s dealing and it may be a friendly takeover. It may not be a friendly takeover. It wouldn’t matter because they’re really in — they’re down to, as they say, fumes. They have no energy, they have no money. They’re in deep trouble on a humanitarian basis.
And we don’t want to see that. But they were very, very bad to a lot of people, as you know, and a lot of people living are — the Cuban American vote, which I got at record levels, very important. Those people are very important to me. I know, I know what they went through. They went through hell. Some of them have gone on to be some of the most successful people in the country. Cuban American business people, some of them are like the most successful in the country. And a lot of them are friends of mine because I’ve been fighting this battle with them for a long time. The Castro regime was brutal, but they lived off Venezuela. Now, they don’t live off Venezuela — sends them no energy, no fuel, no oil, no money, no nothing. They lived without Venezuela. They couldn’t have made it. And we cut them off from everything else. So yeah, they’re going to make either a deal or we’ll do it just as easy anyway.”
jward
passin' thru
Paul White Gold Eagle
@PaulGoldEagle
The genius of Trump is best understood by looking at the sequence of events in reverse.
He knew that he needed to go after the Iranian regime, and that this would cause the Strait of Hormuz to shut down for some time, until the regime is totally dismantled, as well as the Houthis.
So he first goes after Maduro in Venezuela and gets control of the Venezuelan oil to keep our oil supply flowing. The Venezuelans already have international court judgements against them to the tune of tens of billions of dollars owed the US.
So, we get a regime change and a Venezuela strategically aligned with us ahead of commencing hostilities with Iran. This keeps critical oil flowing to the US during the hostilities, minimizing the economic impact, which keeps the nation from turning against the conflict.
At the same time, Russia and China are deprived of that foothold in our hemisphere, and deprived of Venezuelan oil, sold at deep discounts. Cuba is also denied a vital lifeline, and now the country is teetering on implosion. Russia and China are about to lose a foothold 90 miles from Florida.
And now that oil is no longer flowing from the Strait of Hormuz (also at fire sale prices) China is down a combined 15% of their vital supply. It also hurts China and Russia that we have been seizing the tankers they use in the black fleet, meant to circumvent sanctions.
Iran gets starved.
Russia gets starved.
China gets starved.
We have the flow of Venezuelan oil prepositioned before we fired a shot at Iran. And all of that in addition to Trump's restored flow of domestically sourced oil.
45 years ago my political science professor saw the vesting of the President with all the powers of Commander-in-Chief as a useless vestigial structure held over from when the Framers looked at George Washington and felt the two to resided harmoniously in him. He thought that there were no presidents really up to the task, with Washington, Lincoln, and FDR being the rare exceptions.
I think it safe to add Trump to that list. He not only sees the tactical dimension, but sees the global strategic vision as well.
And he has three years left to go.
Following the sequence of events
jward
passin' thru
MPGeoint
@LoLManya
7h
- Operation Absolute Resolve: The Night Maduro was Taken – A Full OSINT Reconstruction -
The full investigation is finally out. I've designed it to be as visual and easy to navigate as possible, with 4 parts that can be read independently.
I wanted this dossier to be a "one-stop-shop" for the facts:
- Visuals: 2 full videos (2x ~5 min) & GIFs covering strike locations and helicopter movements
- Interactive: a custom map with equipment filters
- Tactical breakdown: From the stealth approach to the final extraction.
RTs are greatly appreciated! I know that nowadays, everyone is looking for quick and easy reads. This isn't one of them, and that was never the goal—this dossier is written for those with a deep, restless curiosity
And, Venezuelans, please take care of yourselves
Full dossier here: Operation Absolute Resolve: The Night Maduro was Taken – A Full OSINT Reconstruction
@LoLManya
7h
- Operation Absolute Resolve: The Night Maduro was Taken – A Full OSINT Reconstruction -
The full investigation is finally out. I've designed it to be as visual and easy to navigate as possible, with 4 parts that can be read independently.
I wanted this dossier to be a "one-stop-shop" for the facts:
- Visuals: 2 full videos (2x ~5 min) & GIFs covering strike locations and helicopter movements
- Interactive: a custom map with equipment filters
- Tactical breakdown: From the stealth approach to the final extraction.
RTs are greatly appreciated! I know that nowadays, everyone is looking for quick and easy reads. This isn't one of them, and that was never the goal—this dossier is written for those with a deep, restless curiosity
And, Venezuelans, please take care of yourselves
Full dossier here: Operation Absolute Resolve: The Night Maduro was Taken – A Full OSINT Reconstruction