Avner

So, the request for drones, they want the MQ-9B Reaper, about 11 of them, so around $330,000,000 for that. For intelligence that would include HUMINT, some imagery, and some signals intelligence activities, it would be $200 million.

7 minutes ago, Ollie said:

 

Abel Burke, Secretary of State-designate: Can we get a cost estimate on what Guyana would need in terms of better equipping them defensively, specifically for the drones and enhanced intelligence capabilities? 

12 hours ago, Jack said:

 

Can we get a list of everything all four nations, including Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay, need to get their military capabilities up to speed? I want to also send military advisors to all four countries and have them added to the joint military operation. Also, send military advisors to Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay. 

Guyana will need $190 million for its armed services; it's a small force of around 3,000 men and 600 reserve personnel. Intelligence and drones are most desired from them. I'm not sure where Jefferson got the 15,000 from unless he talked about conscription, which Guyana doesn't have. 

I won't go through the entire thing for nine countries; it's too time-consuming, plus there isn't a lot of data concerning their military information. To make it easier, the main thing is transportation issues, such as transport planes, ammunition needs, and telecommunications support.

Military advisors will be sent to all nine..

39 minutes ago, Jack said:

 

The situation is a bit more volatile now. I’ve gathered a coalition of Latin American nations, however, Britain gains to lose if nothing is done. I ask that you sign on and support the operation in some way. A united front right now could prevent further escalation, and if escalation furthers, we can act swiftly to squash it. 

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom: Madam President, we will gladly support any mission that needs to take place. Guyana is part of the Commonwealth, and this aggression from Venezuela will not stand. 

18 hours ago, Jack said:

Do you have a quick moment to discuss Venezuela and Guyana? @Avner

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom: Yes I do

Officials claim that morale is high within the ranks of the Venezuelan military as the risk of direct U.S. military confrontation continues.

Caracas, Venezuela: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has demanded the immediate withdrawal of a United States aircraft carrier positioned off the coast of Guyana, accusing the U.S. of interfering in the long-standing territorial dispute over the Essequibo region. The demand comes in the wake of reports confirming artillery attacks by the Venezuelan army in the disputed territory, further intensifying concerns about the potential for a full-blown military conflict.

In a televised address to the nation, President Maduro accused the United States of exacerbating the already volatile situation by deploying military assets near the contested Essequibo region. "We demand the immediate withdrawal of the U.S. carrier from the region. This provocative action affronts our sovereignty and only escalates tensions further, something the United States intended from the beginning."

Maduro's speech also included a veiled threat to launch additional artillery attacks on the disputed territory if the United States does not comply with his demand for withdrawal. "We will not allow foreign powers to dictate our actions in our backyard. The Essequibo is ours, and we will defend it at any cost," Maduro declared.

International reactions to Maduro's demands have been swift. Chinese President Xi Jinping has officially warned the United States that any military aggression against Venezuela would be seen as "unbridled aggression" and urged Washington to use diplomatic solutions, something Beijing claims they would be willing to offer. 

Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay have reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for restraint on all sides. The United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) have called for an emergency meeting to address the escalating crisis. Several countries, including other neighbouring nations and European allies, have expressed deep concern over the potential for a military conflict in the region and have warned Venezuela that its continued aggression may be met with military force.

Ellen Lord, Secretary of Defence: Madam President, Mr. Vice President, Mr. Secretary of State @Jack @Storm @Ollie

This is the map of the ongoing situation on the ground. Right now, we have a rough idea of military targets that are labelled on the map. Venezuela has 12 BUK-M2 and 24 S-125 Pechora-2M; these are Russian surface-to-air missiles designed to take out enemy aircraft. We have no idea where they are located; intelligence capabilities are limited in this part of words. We are capable of launching air strikes against all these targets if you want, Madam President, or modifying it in scope to send a message to Maduro; I'll leave that up to you all, but my recommendation to send a message; we should consider limited airstrikes in scope and target them on the Guyanese border to scare them, I'm not sure what the Venezuelan response will be but, it sends a message. 

((Most of these targets are made-up, real, or regular airports IRL. To make this easy, moving forward, most strike options will not be based on real-life situated targets, just so you all know.))

2 hours ago, Jack said:

 

Let's take out all mentions of peacekeepers. Will there be any effect on the standing support of the resolution? 

Not really; at this point, the UNSC wants something passed; China will protest but won't make a fuss about it.

3 hours ago, Storm said:

Madam President,

 

Until we get those maps, we need to get in front of this. We need to coordinate placing more sanctions with our Caribbean allies. Secretary Lord, what would be the ramifications of us setting up a blockade around Venezuela, preventing any type of trade with Venezuela?

Ellen Lord, Secretary of Defence: The risk is stopping internationally flagged ships. Would we use force to stop them if they attempted to break the blockade? Another risk is that the Venezuelan economy has not recovered from the instability of past years; a blockade of all trade would tremendously worsen the living standards of Venezuelans. Those are some of the ramifications of setting up a naval blockade, not to mention that it is an act of war under international law.

1 hour ago, Jack said:

 

 

I will be posting an official travel schedule for the Deputy Defense Secretary's travel to Guyana. 

You can release the statement to the press, through the Brady room etc.

1 hour ago, Jack said:

How does Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay feel about establishing a joint military operation, led and commanded by the U.S. used as a last resort measure to deter Venezuela, with the possibility of defending Guyana? 

 

 

All of them would agree to it.

29 minutes ago, Jack said:

Walks in fuming

 

Somebody better tell why the fuck I had to find out about Venezuela launching missiles at Guyana from fucking CNN and not my own team. Somebody start talking or so help me God, heads will be rolling and I don’t just mean metaphorically. 

Richard Grenell, CIA Director: We were assessing the situation, Madam President; while I wish we could predict every movement, I have to admit, this caught us by surprise as well. We never expected the Venezuelans to start shelling the area. What we do know from the Guyanese is that the shelling killed 80 people and, 125 were wounded, numerous properties were damaged alongside the casualties. We will have a digital map ready for you (by tonight) that shows further information, but we are in the dark until the Guyanese and our assets report back.

5 minutes ago, Jack said:

 

Very well. I’ll concede this time and have the peacekeeping forces removed from the resolution. I hope we can get your support once that is done?

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom: Madam President, we shall fully support it moving forward. 

1 minute ago, Jack said:

 

You’re right, we didn’t consult Israel. That was our mistake. Is there there a reason you oppose the peacekeeping force? Is there a deal that can be made here?

A history lesson, Madam President, UNIFIL was established in 1978; its mandate was to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and help restore the authority of the Lebanese government in the area. Southern Lebanon quickly reverted to being a terrorist stronghold from which hostile forces fired upon Israel. UNIFIL did not prevent this from happening. What UNIFIL did do was interfere with IDF operations; by 1982, the Lebanon War occurred, and Israel had to intervene with our military.

We will not allow the same thing to happen in Judea & Samaria; no deal can be made concerning a peacekeeping force there. 

22 minutes ago, Jack said:

I would’ve liked our first call to be to our oldest ally to be, well, ya know, somewhat of a “catching up” as old pals, but after I received word that our bestest friend and biggest supporter is being persuaded to veto my resolution, my feelings are a little hurt. I’m sure you understand Mr. Prime Minister. 

 

I didn’t call to discuss my feelings, however. I called because I wanted to understand your position on the matter, to see why you oppose, and to see where we could work together to get this resolution passed. 

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom: "Awkward silence" Madam President, the Israelis have presented a reasonable argument. If UN peacekeepers are deployed into the West Bank, it will hinder security operations in the West Bank that Israel regularly maintains. My conversations, while private with Prime Minister Regev, have convinced me that UN peacekeepers will do more harm than good and order should be restored by Israel and the PFM. The resolution is otherwise excellent, but I do not believe it is the best to move forward.  

21 minutes ago, Jack said:

I’m sure you’re aware of our UNSC resolution going around. I’ve received word that you guys had  been talking with the Brits, wanting them to oppose this resolution. Please enlighten me Mrs. Regev on the reason you guys are working to block our resolution? This makes me very unhappy but I’m willing to work with you guys here so please, what’s the big idea here?

Israel will not have UN peacekeepers in Judea & Samaria or the "West Bank" under any circumstance, Madam President; it's that simple. Nor did you consult us on a UN resolution involving us, who maintain security in Judea & Samaria. We will oppose the resolution if the UN peacekeeping force is not removed. 

Georgetown, Guyana: In a dramatic turn of events, reports have emerged confirming that the Venezuelan army has launched artillery attacks on the disputed Essequibo region, raising alarm bells internationally and heightening concerns over the longstanding border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana.

The Essequibo region, a vast territory on the northeastern coast of South America, has been a historical point of contention between the two nations. The latest military actions by Venezuela have intensified an already strained situation. Eyewitnesses in the affected areas reported hearing gunfire and witnessing the aftermath of shelling, heightening fears of civilian casualties and property damage. The Venezuelan and Guyanese governments have issued statements expressing their respective positions.

Maintaining its historical claims to the Essequibo region, Venezuela asserts that the military actions aim to protect its territorial integrity. Venezuelan officials argue that the area was unfairly awarded to British Guyana in the 19th century and that their recent military maneuvers respond to perceived threats to their national sovereignty.

Guyana, on the other hand, has strongly condemned the Venezuelan military's incursion into the disputed territory. The Guyanese government, in an official statement, called the shelling a blatant violation of international law and an unjustifiable act of aggression. In further response, the Guyana Defence Force has called its reserve personnel into active service as growing concerns that this escalation could result in a war. 

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the shelling against a Commonwealth member, calling it a "severe surprise act of aggression and escalation that the United Kingdom will not stand by." 

While the shelling has caught the international community by surprise, the real surprise that most policy officials are wondering about is the American response to the news as an American carrier continues to remain off the coast of Guyana.

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom: It's a pleasure, Madam President; what can I do for you? @Jack

13 hours ago, Jack said:

 

I’ll speak to both of them. I swear, them damn colonizers are always doing something. Thank you Avi. Is there anything else I need to know before we end this call?

Avi Berkowitz, U.S. Ambassador to the UN: Nothing else, Madam President, I'll keep you informed. Hopefully, we will get this thing passed somehow.

13 hours ago, Jack said:

I have another concern I’d like to address if you have some time. 

I have a few more minutes, Mrs. Ross, but go ahead.

4 hours ago, Jack said:

Alright, moving forward on this. It's best we send the Defense Secretary or her deputy to Guyana to establish a working relationship militarily (I will send this work up later in the day). Further, have our Ambassadors in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay meet with the heads of those countries or their foreign ministers to form a unified stance in support of Guyana. I don't know if they'll be open to threatening Venezuela with some sanctions if they move forward, but it would be worth a try to establish that. @Avner

The deputy will be sent to Guyana.

Brazil wants no part of this and will refuse to help. The rest of the countries are more willing to place sanctions on Venezuela. 

1 hour ago, Jack said:

Reach out to the Philippines and increase joint naval exercises with them in response to China's increased "showmanship" in their waters. @Avner

 

 

I will do that, Madam President.

On 12/15/2023 at 6:43 PM, Jack said:

I need more information on the Iranian-backed militias. @Jefferson

What type of information are you looking for?

1 hour ago, Jack said:

 

Just perfect. The Europeans are the most unreliable fucks I know, and I know because I spent a decade in the military and led a defense contracting business beyond these borders. Oops, excuse me Avi. I side with the Israelis in this matter, but if push comes to shove, America would most likely be the one to come on the ground. Do we have support for the resolution from Russia and China? Their veto is my biggest concern. 

Avi Berkowitz, U.S. Ambassador to the UN: China and Russia seem supportive of the resolution, and that's only because they are deeply troubled by the Abbas assassination; our main concern is Britain, Sunak, and Regev have been talking; we don't know what, but he's now hesitant to back the resolution and the British ambassador is making clear currently about the security risk of peacekeepers in this part of the region. The Israelis don't want them there; it will be difficult, Madam President. 

1 hour ago, Jack said:

 

Trust and believe that aid will be increased, as much as necessary. The game of politics in Congress is beginning to annoy me, but I'm sure I can pull some billions from other international aid, or our defense, or wherever. I just need for Europe to back us up as much as possible. I can speak to Sunak in the UK, but I want strong support publicly and privately from you guys. The world is set ablaze and its our job as allies and leaders and partners of the world order to ensure that peace and stability is a reality and that goods and services aren't interrupted.

Mark W. Libby, Ambassador to the EU: I understand, Madam President; I shall relay this message to the relevant partners in the EU, and I'm sure a response will be forthcoming soon.

1 hour ago, Jack said:

 

Understandable. I'm sure you know what I mean but I'll leave it at that. As much as I would love to see Palestine in Israel's hands, I do want to caution against an escalation on your part, which may be seen as jumping on this opportunity, which would probably lead to further instability with Iran and Hezbollah joining in defense of Palestine and even the Houthis. My call is just to say that assess the situation, as we have done, and practice restraint. I know it will be hard to do so because if I were in that position it would be for me too. Is there a possibility for another ceasefire with Hamas, whether that be temporary or permanent?

I accept the caution but assure you that everything will be under control as an internal security matter. I have no intention of allowing Area A to fall under direct Israeli control. Dahlan is a partner, and we intend to ensure that he takes over the leadership of the Palestinians. The ceasefire with Hamas is held with Israel; we are conducting raids and sweeps for any terrorist activity; the main concern is Islamic Jihad, which is swearing to continue the fight. What we know about the Abbas assassination is that rival factions in Fatah sold him out to these Hamas operatives; he made too many enemies within his own political faction, and in return, they were bribed for information on his convoy. 

23 minutes ago, Jack said:

Tell me about it. I’ve been up dealing with this all night. I had to give you a call. As a close friend and ally to the United States, Europe’s support for Israel and America’s strategy is vital to the success of bringing this war to a peaceful resolution, but with Hamas escalating things by killing Abbas, there needs to come a strong condemnation of these attacks from the EU and European nations, following the statement I gave not too long ago. We ask for your continued support. 

Mark W. Libby, Ambassador to the EU: I can assure you, Madam President, that the EU is horrified by what has occurred in the West Bank; several MEPs have reached out, and various governments have already started condemning this. However, I sense they want more than just words, Madam President; they want action. I haven't promised them anything on behalf of the US government, but they want foreign aid to increase significantly to improve the security situation. France has indicated support for the draft UN resolution that would deploy UN peacekeepers into the West Bank, but Britain is being lobbied hard by the Israelis to reject it; there just needs to be one veto from the UNSC to kill it. 

Avi Berkowitz, U.S. Ambassador to the UN: The Israelis view the UN with the utmost suspicion, Madam President. An example was the 2005 Rafah border crossing agreement brokered by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The Europeans fled their positions when fighting between Hamas and Fatah heated up after the Hamas victory in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections. The monitors also fell victim to kidnappings by local Palestinians, which contributed to their decision to quit their post.

From Israel’s experience, the only victorious security forces that can be relied upon are its own. Therefore, the presence of a UN force, as it has been in the past, will merely create an obstacle to Israel’s ability to defend itself. 

19 minutes ago, Jack said:

Madam Prime Minister, glad you took my call. I won’t hold you long. The situation in Palestine has become very volatile, especially with the assassination of Abbas by Hamas, which now leaves a power vacuum in the territory. I see you called on reserve troops. Is Israel planning to take advantage of the situation?

 

@Avner

I don't know what you mean by "taking advantage of the situation," Mrs. Ross. As you well know, the security forces of the PA have essentially abandoned their positions, and the security situation has escalated due to that. Israel is maintaining the rule of law.