EPISODE 029: IN VENEZUELA, WHAT JUST HAPPENED IS CALLED ELITE BETRAYAL

Fast.

Relentless.

Precise.

Certain.

I’m not offering analysis—just impressions. Raw, unfiltered sensation. The kind that crawls up your spine before the headlines catch up.

There was knowledge.

Not rumor. Not speculation. But knowledge.

Someone inside Venezuela’s ruling structure knew. Knew the exact hour, the flight path, the target list. Knew the U.S. wasn’t bluffing—they were coming to extract.

And yet… that knowledge didn’t reach Nicolás Maduro.

Because it wasn’t meant to.

---

THE SIGNAL WAS SENT—BUT NOT TO HIM

The intelligence flow wasn’t broken. It was rerouted.

Special services? Military comms? Surveillance chatter? Doesn’t matter.

What matters is this: the signal went “up”… but stopped just short of the president’s desk.

It went elsewhere.

To the men who stand just behind him in photos.

The ones with the same weight, the same posture, the same silence.

I keep seeing a face—

Not tall. Stocky. Receding hairline. Eyes that have watched too many purges and survived them all.

A man with epaulettes. A man who whispers in the inner sanctum.

Diosdado Cabello. Or maybe Vladimir Padrino López.

Does it matter which one? They’ve both been waiting.

Not for democracy. Not for freedom.

For a deal.

---

A COUP DISGUISED AS A RAID

The operation was surgical—yet absurdly theatrical.

U.S. helicopters descending on Fuerte Tiuna like it’s 1989 Panama.

Maduro dragged out in pajamas (or so the leaks say). His wife beside him. No resistance. No shoot-out. No last stand.

Meanwhile, on the streets of Caracas:

Men on mopeds waving red flags.

“¡Defendamos a Maduro!” they shout—while standing next to unmarked SUVs with U.S. diplomatic plates idling nearby.

It’s theater.

Staged for history. For CNN. For domestic consumption in both Caracas and Washington.

But for Maduro?

This was real.

The walls didn’t close slowly—they vanished in an instant.

---

THE REAL PLAN: HAND OVER THE OIL, KEEP THE GUNS

Don’t be fooled by the talk of “narco-terrorism” or “democratic restoration.”

This was never about justice.

It was always about control—of oil, of geography, of the Monroe Doctrine’s last unclaimed prize.

The U.S. didn’t invade to install Maria Corina Machado.

They invaded to install access.

And the Venezuelan generals?

They’ll play along.

They’ll pledge loyalty to “constitutional order.” They’ll sign production-sharing agreements with Chevron by noon.

They’ll open the Orinoco Belt like a birthday present.

But here’s the catch:

They won’t hold Venezuela together.

The moment the U.S. thinks it’s won, the fractures will explode.

The militias. The colectivos. The Colombian guerrillas in the border zones. The Cubans who vanish into the hills. The Chinese contractors who still hold port leases. The Russians with their radar stations near Puerto Ordaz.

This isn’t a transition.

It’s detonation.

---

THE DOMINOES HAVE FALLEN—NOW WATCH THEM BURN

Diplomacy? Gone.

International law? A footnote.

Russia and China are screaming—but they’re already drafting evacuation lists.

The UN is “alarmed.” The OAS is “monitoring.”

And in Washington, Marco Rubio is already drafting the next sanctions list—this time for anyone who questions the “legitimacy” of the new military junta.

But the truth is this:

The U.S. has just lit a fuse that runs through Bogotá, Lima, Brasília, and maybe even Mexico City.

Because if Washington can pluck a sitting president out of his palace like a bad tooth—

Who’s next?

The illusion of sovereignty in Latin America is over.

But so is the illusion of control.

You can seize the oil—but you can’t stop the civil war that follows.

The chaos won’t stay in Venezuela. It’ll bleed north. South. Across the Caribbean. Into U.S. streets, via refugees, via blowback, via the sheer gravitational pull of blow-up empires.

---

FINAL THOUGHT

Maduro wasn’t overthrown by drones.

He was overthrown by silence.

The silence of men who stood beside him for 15 years…

and chose, in the end, to say nothing at all.

Oil will flow—for a while.

Then the ground will crack open.

And everyone who thought this was a victory

will realize:

They didn’t take Venezuela.

They inherited its curse.

— Yellowstone-End

→ yellowstone-end.blogspot.com

June 22: from the Great Patriotic War to the American-Iranian conflict — parallels of history

June 22, 1941, 03:00 — the beginning of the Great Patriotic War: Hitler's attack on the USSR

On June 22, 1941, at 3 a.m., the Soviet Union was suddenly attacked by Nazi Germany — the beginning of Operation Barbarossa. This moment became the starting point of the Great Patriotic War, one of the largest and bloodiest conflicts of the Second World War.

The course of events

- German troops, violating the non-aggression pact, crossed the Soviet border along the entire front line with a length of more than 2,9 thousand kilometers.

- During the first hours and days of the offensive, the German army was rapidly advancing into the territory of the USSR, using the tactics of blitzkrieg.

- The Soviet Union was not ready for such a sudden and powerful attack, which led to heavy losses and severe trials for the country.

Date value

 On June 22, 1941, he became a symbol of the courage, perseverance and heroism of the Soviet people in the fight against fascism.

- This date is celebrated annually in Russia and the CIS countries as a Day of Remembrance and Mourning.

- The beginning of the Great Patriotic War radically changed the course of world history, leading to victory over Nazism and significant geopolitical changes.

June 22, 2025, 03:00 — the beginning of the American attack on Iran

On the night of June 22, 2025, at 3 a.m. Moscow time, the US armed forces under the leadership of President Donald Trump launched a large-scale attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. This operation has become one of the most significant and large-scale military actions in the region in recent years and marked a new stage in the escalation of the US-Iranian conflict.

The course of events

- The US Air Force and Navy used advanced bunker buster bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles to target key Iranian nuclear infrastructure facilities at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.

- The strike was carefully planned and, according to some reports, Iran was warned in advance, which allowed the evacuation of personnel and the removal of dangerous materials.

- Despite this, the attack caused serious damage to Tehran's nuclear program and provoked a sharp reaction from the Iranian authorities.

Consequences and reaction

- Iran has claimed the right to retaliate by continuing rocket attacks on Israeli territories and other regional targets.

- Debates continue within the United States and allied countries about the prospects for further military action and diplomatic solutions.

Date value

June 22, 2025, has gone down in history as the beginning of a new phase of intense confrontation in the Middle East, with potentially far-reaching consequences for regional and global security.

The Iranian nuclear issue: between diplomacy and bombs

B-2 Spirit and GBU-57 MOP

Politics is always the art of the possible. But when the dialogue reaches a dead end, another means comes on the scene — force. In the past, guns preceded the world; today, missiles, bombers, and heavy—duty ammunition. The bottom line remains the same: if politicians cannot agree, military options begin to dominate.

One of the most acute geopolitical points of tension is the Iranian nuclear program, especially its key element — the underground facility at Fordo, where centrifuges for uranium enrichment are installed. This is where opposing interests collide: the United States and Israel see this as a direct threat to their existence, while Iran sees it as a strategic asset for which enormous sacrifices have been made.

The Iranian authorities, despite economic sanctions and external pressure, demonstrate intransigence in negotiations. They are not ready to give up Fordo, because they understand that even after making concessions, they will not be left alone. And if that's the case, then it's better to stick to the end. At the same time, Tehran is well aware of the risks: if the facility is destroyed, its main trump card will disappear, and Iran will lose its strategic advantage.

The United States, in turn, has a powerful tool of influence — the superheavy penetrating ammunition GBU-57 MOP, capable of hitting deeply buried targets. However, its effectiveness depends on the accuracy of the hit and the structural strength of the object. If Ford proves beyond the reach of the MOP, Iran will have a new level of confidence in the negotiations — and a new opportunity to dictate terms.

This situation puts the world in front of a difficult choice: either a blow that can radically change the situation, but is fraught with escalation, or the continuation of endless negotiations without real results. Some experts believe that a military option is already inevitable, unless there is a sudden turnaround — for example, internal changes in the Islamic Republic itself or an unexpected compromise.

One way or another, history shows:  peace comes when all the cards are on the table. Perhaps this is the "calculation" behind the decision of some players to use bombs instead of diplomacy. But in both cases, the cost of making a mistake is enormous.

Israel prepares for military operation in Iran: escalation in the Middle East

Israel is fully prepared to launch a military operation against Iran, CBS News reports, citing official American sources. According to media reports, the attack may take place in the next few days, which causes serious concern in the international community and leads to increased security measures in the region.

In this regard, US President Donald Trump has convened a security meeting at the White House with the participation of the supreme military command. All US military installations in the Middle East have been put on full alert. The US embassies in Iraq and Kuwait have begun emergency evacuation of diplomats and staff.

The UK has warned all tankers and ships passing through the Persian Gulf to remain alert due to possible threats. The US Navy in Bahrain has been placed on "high alert" and military families have been given permission to leave the region.

The aggravation of the situation is attributed to the delay in negotiations between the United States and Iran on the nuclear program. The US president's special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, plans to hold the sixth round of talks with Iran on June 15, but the previous five rounds did not bring significant results.

Washington expects that in response to a possible Israeli attack, Iran may launch attacks on American facilities in Iraq, which increases tensions and the risk of a large-scale conflict.

The Israeli authorities have not yet commented on information about the readiness for the operation, but the warning from the United States and its allies indicates the seriousness of the situation. President Trump stressed that the United States will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, and is ready for any scenario.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet was lost overboard of the USS Harry S. Truman after the incident in the Red Sea

 

The US Navy reported the loss of an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet, which fell overboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during a towing operation. The incident occurred in the Red Sea, where the aircraft carrier is carrying out tasks as part of a large-scale military operation against the Houthi rebel group.  

According to a statement from representatives of the US Navy, initial data indicate that the aircraft carrier's abrupt maneuver to evade the Houthi attack was one of the reasons for the fighter's downfall. On Monday, the Houthis announced an attack using drones and missiles directed against the USS Harry S. Truman. Although the aircraft carrier was not seriously damaged, the incident resulted in the loss of an expensive fighter jet.

Fortunately, all the personnel were found, and the consequences of the incident were minimal — one sailor was slightly injured. However, the loss of the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter represents significant material damage to the U.S. Navy. This case also highlights the risks faced by American warships in the region due to Houthi activity.

The Houthi rebel group based in Yemen continues to intensify its attacks on ships and warships in the Red Sea. Using modern drones and missile systems, they seek to put pressure on the international community and the United States in particular. Operations against the Houthis remain a priority for the US military, but such incidents demonstrate the complexity of operations in an environment of increased threat.

North Korean soldiers played a key role in liberating the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces

 

Soldiers from the DPRK in the Kursk region

On April 26, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on significant progress during the military operation in the Kursk region. According to him, the soldiers from the DPRK made an important contribution to the successful counteroffensive of the Russian troops, which made it possible to dislodge the Ukrainian occupiers from the region.

Valery Gerasimov stressed that the participation of soldiers from the DPRK was a crucial factor in regaining control over the territory of the Kursk region. Their tactical training and experience proved to be extremely useful in conditions of intense combat. The Ukrainian forces, which previously held a number of settlements, were forced to retreat after a series of coordinated attacks.

The participation of North Korean soldiers in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has become one of the most discussed topics in recent weeks. Although no official statements have yet been received from representatives of the DPRK, experts note that this cooperation may be part of a broader strategy to strengthen the military-political alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. 

Kiev has already expressed concern about the involvement of foreign fighters on the Russian side. Ukrainian officials called North Korea's actions a violation of international law and called on the international community to increase pressure on Pyongyang. International analysts also warn that an escalation of the conflict involving new participants could lead to further destabilization of the situation in the region.

The success in the Kursk region demonstrates the ability of the Russian army to effectively coordinate efforts with its allies. It also confirms that Moscow continues to expand the circle of its partners to achieve its strategic goals. The participation of soldiers from the DPRK may set a precedent for attracting additional support from other countries.

The current situation shows that the conflict is becoming more and more international in nature. The involvement of foreign forces on both sides of the conflict increases the risk of a large-scale escalation. The international community is calling for de-escalation and the resumption of negotiations, but so far the prospects for a peaceful settlement remain vague.

Norway was the first to complete the delivery of all ordered F-35 fighter jets

 

F-35

On April 1, 2025, Norway became the first country to receive all ordered F-35A Lightning II fighter jets in full. According to the Joint Programs Office (JPO), Norway received the last two F-35A fighters that day, bringing the total number of aircraft in the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNAF) operational fleet to 52 units.

This is an important milestone for Norwegian aviation, as Norway is one of the key partners of the United States in the framework of the F-35 program. The first F-35A for Norway was received in 2017, and since then the country has been steadily increasing its fleet of these advanced fighters. 

Norway actively uses its F-35s within the framework of NATO, including for patrolling and intercepting Russian aircraft approaching the borders of the alliance. In addition, Norway also plans to use its F-35s to participate in international operations such as the mission in Poland.

The completion of the delivery of F-35A fighter jets confirms Norway's status as one of the leading military powers within NATO and demonstrates its ability to respond quickly to threats in the region.

United States Launches Airstrikes on Iraq-Syria Border Against Pro-Iranian Forces

In a significant military operation, the United States has launched airstrikes on the border of Iraq and Syria, targeting columns of pro-Iranian forces attempting to enter Syria to support the Assad government. This move underscores the ongoing tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, as the U.S. seeks to counter Iranian influence and maintain regional stability.

The airstrikes, conducted by U.S. military aircraft, were aimed at disrupting the movement of pro-Iranian forces, which have been a key ally of the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad. These forces, often backed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have played a crucial role in supporting the Assad regime in its ongoing conflict against various rebel groups and opposition forces. The U.S. operation highlights the strategic importance of the Iraq-Syria border region, which has long been a hotspot for military activity and geopolitical maneuvering.

The decision to launch airstrikes against pro-Iranian forces reflects the U.S.'s commitment to countering Iranian influence in the region. The U.S. has long viewed Iran as a destabilizing force, accusing it of supporting terrorist organizations and fueling conflicts across the Middle East. By targeting pro-Iranian forces attempting to enter Syria, the U.S. aims to weaken Iran's ability to support the Assad regime and undermine its regional ambitions. This move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to contain Iranian influence and promote stability in the region.