Analysis & Reports

The Army redesignated a brigade as the Army Security Cooperation Group - South to conduct jungle warfare training in Panama. This unit will oversee the Jungle Operations Training Course, which will award Jungle tabs for the first time in February 2023. The course, lasting 18 days, includes survival training in challenging conditions. This change reflects the Army's strategic shift towards enhancing security cooperation in the Western Hemisphere.

The U.S. military operation recently captured Venezuelan President Maduro in Venezuela, but pro-government forces continue to control Caracas. The National Defense Strategy reveals that while the U.S. can project military power, it struggles to maintain a sustained presence to achieve strategic outcomes. This situation raises concerns about the ability of allies like Europe and South Korea to assume primary defense responsibilities amid growing threats.

The U.S. military operation recently captured Venezuelan President Maduro in Venezuela, but pro-government forces continue to control Caracas. The National Defense Strategy reveals that while the U.S. can project military power, it struggles to maintain a sustained presence for strategic outcomes. This situation highlights vulnerabilities in NATO and South Korea's defense capabilities amid shifting U.S. priorities.

The Army Security Cooperation Group – South has been established to train U.S. troops in jungle warfare at Aeronaval Base Cristóbal Colón, Panama, starting in February. This unit was formerly the 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade, which has now shifted its focus from advising Afghan forces to conducting jungle operations training. The course will include collaboration with Panamanian troops and will award soldiers the Army's jungle tab upon completion.

The Fujian aircraft carrier has been actively conducting training exercises since its commissioning, with plans to enter the Pacific for long-range training by 2026. It has successfully navigated the Taiwan Strait multiple times for various training missions, enhancing its operational capabilities. The carrier's systems have been tested, and future exercises will focus on tactical operations involving air and naval coordination.

U.S. Marines conducted flight operations with a V-BAT unmanned aerial system aboard the USS Portland in the Pacific Ocean on January 28, 2026. This operation was part of integrated training with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrating the V-BAT's capability to operate from naval platforms without catapults or arresting gear. The event underscored the importance of unmanned systems in enhancing maritime operations and ISR capabilities.

The U.S. military employed a non-kinetic effects cell to guide cyber operations that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. The operation involved targeting radar, internet, and the city's power grid, resulting in a temporary blackout. U.S. intelligence agencies supported the operation, which is part of a larger initiative to enhance military cyber capabilities through Cyber Command 2.0.

The French Navy's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier strike group departed from Toulon on January 27, 2023, to participate in the Orion 26 military exercise in the North Atlantic. The exercise is set to run from February 8 to April 30, 2023, involving approximately 12,500 personnel, 25 ships, and over 140 aircraft and drones, with participation from more than 20 countries. The North Atlantic has been designated a sensitive area amid recent geopolitical tensions.

The U.S. military conducted operations in Venezuela on January 3, 2023, resulting in at least 100 casualties. President Trump stated that a new weapon, referred to as a 'mind disruptor', was used during these operations. Eyewitnesses described severe physical reactions, including nosebleeds and loss of consciousness. Russian military experts have criticized these claims as mere political posturing.

On January 3, the U.S. military launched a large-scale attack on Venezuela, employing new weapons and artificial intelligence for systematic bombing. This operation resulted in at least 100 casualties. Venezuelan Defense Minister Lopez condemned the attack, asserting that it turned Venezuela into a testing ground for U.S. military technology.

U.S. Delta Force conducted a military operation in Venezuela on January 3, utilizing over 150 aircraft and an unknown sonic weapon against President Maduro's security detail. Witnesses reported that the sonic weapon incapacitated bodyguards, causing severe physical reactions. President Trump acknowledged the weapon's existence, asserting it is unique to the U.S. military.

The U.S. conducted a military operation on January 3, 2026, to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, showcasing its military power. Ukrainian officials expressed concern over whether the U.S. would demonstrate similar decisiveness against Russia. Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges highlighted Trump's leverage over Russia, which remains unused. Trust in the U.S. among Ukrainians has declined significantly, reflecting their apprehension about U.S. foreign policy.

U.S. President Trump executed a military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. This decisive action has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials about the U.S. response to Russian aggression. Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges emphasized that Trump possesses leverage over Russia that remains untapped. Meanwhile, trust in the U.S. has declined among Ukrainians, with only 21% expressing confidence in American support.

The Russian military has adapted its tactics and operations based on experiences in Ukraine, focusing on drones, electronic warfare, and integrated operations. These adaptations have made the Russian Army more dangerous, but their effectiveness may be limited outside of Ukraine's context, as demonstrated in Venezuela. NATO planners must recognize both the advancements and constraints of the Russian military as they assess future threats.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted live-fire naval training exercises at sea, involving multiple naval vessels and live ammunition. This training is part of ongoing efforts to enhance military readiness. The exercises were reported recently, indicating active military engagement.

The Chinese Navy's hospital ship 'Silk Road Ark' docked in Uruguay for a technical operation. This event highlights the naval engagement of the Chinese military in international waters.

The U.S. Navy seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea recently. This operation highlights ongoing military activities by the U.S. in the region.

The Chinese Navy conducted naval exercises at sea, involving multiple warships and naval vessels. The training emphasized real combat scenarios to enhance operational readiness. This activity reflects ongoing military preparedness and capability development within the Chinese naval forces.

Cuban Armed Forces repatriated the remains of officers killed during a strike in Venezuela. This action highlights the military losses suffered by Cuba in the recent conflict. The repatriation occurred recently, reflecting ongoing military operations in the region.

Cuban Armed Forces repatriated the remains of officers killed during a strike in Venezuela. This action reflects recent personnel losses suffered by Cuba in the conflict. The report is based on reliable primary source information.