Thanks, Sal. I was surprised there was nothing from Brazil on this issue. My understanding is that Brazil is the only country in the area that could oppose Venezuela militarily.
Just a quick read, it seems that Colombia is supportive of Venezuela. This analysis is interesting. I'm sure there are some on the Porch with SME on the militaries of Columbia and Venezuela.
I think Colombia would trounce Venezuela if Venezuela attacked Colombia. But I doubt Colombia could sustain an offensive even if it was willing.
Also, I ignore Global Firepower. It counts hardware which is possibly the least important factor that makes an effective military. Hardware is an added edge if the other factors are in gear and working.
That's too quick a read. Colombia is fragile. The border is a smuggler's paradise, and there are lots of folks in Colombia who don't necessarily engage in lawful activity. The Venezuelan situation is a huge problem for Colombia. They have folks pouring over the border for food and medical attention, and they don't really know what to do.
On paper, maybe they are equivalent - but I suspect Columbia’s armed forces have better kit and are better trained after all those years training with the US.
I can see Colombia handling some initial engagements, those guys have some juice but, sustainment, maneuver and comms will get sloppy soon afterwards exposing the shortcomings of the non-pointy end of their military spear, resulting in a protracted situation.
From what I've read, between the terrain and the location of roads in the area, any forces from Venezuela would have to pass through Brazil to invade. Brazil has threatened to attack any military force crossing its border.
Not much in the way of roads in the Brazilian state of Roraira , and those are mostly north-south. I found only one road that connects with Venezuela (see link). Guyana's roadnet is similar.
I was completely unaware of this potentially catastrophic situation. Thank you for paying attention where the MSM can't be bothered to report. For example, the NYT (aka "the paper of record" [sic]) has no mention of any of this. They are too busy filling their global news hole with nuggets like: "Ireland’s Last Leprechaun Whisperer Reaches for a Pot of TV Gold."
It’s easy to slam the Ole Grey Lady. Remember, the Times is a business. Customers like stories about Leprechauns, so they serve up stories folks like. They also employ some pretty dogged reporters who can write insightful articles.
The Venezuelan crisis of 1895 over a border dispute almost resulted in a war between the US and the UK. Amazing how the same battles are being refought.
I’m grateful that you patrolled the seas as I was educated by The Charge d’Affairs for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Dr. Riviera.
Also educated by Maricar Donato, formerly of World Bank. Maricar prepped me and I passed all Tests and Exams, earning my Washington D.C. Licensed Professional Tour Guide, 2009.
Pardon my mis-spelling. On August 7th 2025, John Moustakis body blocked me and screamed into my ears. Five witnesses were present. My Right Eye was Tested on 8 August, showing “Damage to the Lower Eye”.
Homefront and Greek Orthodox Church, 1991 - current, I defend my property and my rights!
Seeing a “Force of Strength” affirms American commitment. I’m 100% behind President Trump and SECDEF Hegseth.
Nurse Jane knows she can hold the hand of a dying Soldier. I did this in Charleston, S.C., Beaufort S.C. and in the Middle East.
I rescued two (2) Chinese families!
I knew enough to sever ties with Vietnam.
My accomplishments in Canada speak for themselves.
CDR Salamander, this is Nuclear! Our Era is Nuclear! We need to understand this!
I can help. With your permission. Stay safe. Nurse Jane
In diplomatic terms, this is quite a powerful statement by govt of Trin-Tob. Usually, it's a quiet jurisdiction that enjoys relative prosperity based on ample natural gas reserves and LNG exports, plus a remarkably sturdy industrial base that includes things like actual steel mills powered w gas and electricity-from-gas.
Meanwhile, note how Herr Maduro has mobilized his 4-million strong (so they say) popular militia. That -- of course -- is a control-freak thing amongst strongmen; ie, pulse the system and measure the response. And I suppose it would be the thing to do if you were going to invade & annex adjacent territory, like in Guyana. After all, it's not as if you need 4 million people to repel a couple of US naval vessels.
Show the Flag, our American Flag and continue to patrol these Caribbean waters!
Let’s talk about Simon Bolivarian, shall we?
What a hero to the people!
What a ride to the Andes Mountains!
What an escape every time Colonial Powers tried arresting him!
Viva La Revolution!
Let’s not forget American President Jimmy Carter who oversaw the elections placing Hugo Chavez as the lawful president of Venezuela!
Let’s talk about America, yes?
Let’s talk about the scrap of hair carried round the neck of Simon Bolivarian to remind him of Freedon from Colonial Powers, who robbed the land, leaving poor people to struggle!
Lets’s talk about Florida, Virginia and Maryland, why not?
Shall we do that after lunch, CDR Salamander? Returning to my Post, Nurse Jane.
Interesting times since the northern big three of Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela are all getting along right now. Bad news for the three countries squeezed by Venezuela and Brazil.
For months a JOINT base in Guyana would be a great idea. Bracketing the Caribbean with JOINT bases is a good idea. Guyana could sure use the help, and SECSTATE has already signed a mutual support agreements with them.
Several recent mutual support and defense cooperation agreements exist between Guyana and the United States, including a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025. The cooperation focuses on addressing regional security challenges, strengthening Guyana's military, and helping protect the nation's territorial integrity against external threats. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key agreements with the United StatesDefense and Security Cooperation Agreement (2021) In January 2021, the U.S. and Guyana signed a formal Defense and Cooperation Agreement. This established a formal basis for the exchange of services between the two militaries, enhancing the professionalism of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF). This agreement has also led to joint patrols to combat illegal fishing and transnational crime. [1, 3, 5]
Security Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (2025) Signed in March 2025, this MoU deepens cooperation in several security areas:
• Countering transnational crime: Joint efforts target narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and other forms of smuggling.
• Military-to-military cooperation: Collaboration is strengthened through training, information sharing, and joint exercises. [1, 2, 6, 7]
Bilateral military exercises The U.S. and Guyana regularly conduct joint training exercises to enhance the GDF's capabilities and military readiness:
• Specialized training: The U.S. Army's 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) has provided training on modern security techniques to the GDF.
• Regional exercises: Guyana regularly hosts or participates in U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) led exercises, such as TRADEWINDS. [8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Cooperation with the United Kingdom In April 2025, Guyana signed a defense cooperation MoU with the United Kingdom. This agreement seeks to enhance collaboration on areas such as:
• Training
• Information sharing
• Cybersecurity
• Defense acquisition [13]
Context of security cooperation The expansion of mutual support agreements with the U.S. and UK is a response to several factors, particularly rising tensions with Venezuela over the Essequibo region:
• Territorial dispute: Following Venezuela's December 2023 referendum on annexing the resource-rich Essequibo region, the U.S. and other partners have increased security support for Guyana.
• Military aid: This support has included U.S. military surveillance overflights, military advisers on the ground, and aid for Guyana to purchase new military equipment.
• Growing economy: As Guyana's oil production rapidly increases, security cooperation also serves to protect its energy interests and ensure regional stability. [15, 16, 17, 18]
I'm old enough to remember when we were going to blockage ("D & M Barrier Ops", I believe it was called) Colombia in the late 80s. The JFK was to be the capital ship with a supporting cast (including my NRF FFG). IIRC it was called off a month or so before it was supposed to go down. I recall subsequently reading in the NY Times that the DOD denied there was ever a plan to conduct the blockade.
Thanks, Sal. I was surprised there was nothing from Brazil on this issue. My understanding is that Brazil is the only country in the area that could oppose Venezuela militarily.
Given the bent of the Brazilian gov, I don't see them doing anything against Maduro.
Pretty sure Columbia could give Venezuela run for its money.
Just a quick read, it seems that Colombia is supportive of Venezuela. This analysis is interesting. I'm sure there are some on the Porch with SME on the militaries of Columbia and Venezuela.
https://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-comparison-detail.php?country1=colombia&country2=venezuela
You are correct - I was referring to military capability not willingness to use it.
I think Colombia would trounce Venezuela if Venezuela attacked Colombia. But I doubt Colombia could sustain an offensive even if it was willing.
Also, I ignore Global Firepower. It counts hardware which is possibly the least important factor that makes an effective military. Hardware is an added edge if the other factors are in gear and working.
I only know what I read for the general public, and I trust perhaps 20% of it. I bet Erik Prince would know whose military would win.
That's too quick a read. Colombia is fragile. The border is a smuggler's paradise, and there are lots of folks in Colombia who don't necessarily engage in lawful activity. The Venezuelan situation is a huge problem for Colombia. They have folks pouring over the border for food and medical attention, and they don't really know what to do.
Thanks for the insight.
It doesn't appear lopsided either way.
On paper, maybe they are equivalent - but I suspect Columbia’s armed forces have better kit and are better trained after all those years training with the US.
I can see Colombia handling some initial engagements, those guys have some juice but, sustainment, maneuver and comms will get sloppy soon afterwards exposing the shortcomings of the non-pointy end of their military spear, resulting in a protracted situation.
Not with Petro as their president, that guy wants to cozy-up to Maduro and his merry-band of thugs.
From what I've read, between the terrain and the location of roads in the area, any forces from Venezuela would have to pass through Brazil to invade. Brazil has threatened to attack any military force crossing its border.
The maps show a common border between Venezuela and Guyana. No need for an incursion into Brazil.
That's why I said terrain. That makes it very difficult at best to cross directly between the two countries. The roads go through Brazil.
Not much in the way of roads in the Brazilian state of Roraira , and those are mostly north-south. I found only one road that connects with Venezuela (see link). Guyana's roadnet is similar.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BR-174_(Brazil_highway)
Given that both Governments are headed up & run by Marxist Dictators that’s not happening.
Back in '85 I ran into a retired Naval Officer who had been stationed at the naval activity in Port of Spain.
I was completely unaware of this potentially catastrophic situation. Thank you for paying attention where the MSM can't be bothered to report. For example, the NYT (aka "the paper of record" [sic]) has no mention of any of this. They are too busy filling their global news hole with nuggets like: "Ireland’s Last Leprechaun Whisperer Reaches for a Pot of TV Gold."
One of 2 articles from 2 days ago. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/22/us/politics/trump-venezuela-drug-war.html
Thanks for posting. I stand corrected. The article was actually pretty detailed and interesting.
It’s easy to slam the Ole Grey Lady. Remember, the Times is a business. Customers like stories about Leprechauns, so they serve up stories folks like. They also employ some pretty dogged reporters who can write insightful articles.
They spelled “Iwo Jima” as “Iowa Jima.” Autocorrect strikes again
Iowa... I wish USN could still bring big guns to bear.
All they need is to start buying ER-GMLRS.
The Venezuelan crisis of 1895 over a border dispute almost resulted in a war between the US and the UK. Amazing how the same battles are being refought.
It was and is still about who will control mineral wealth.
Good Morning CDR Salamander, is it appropriate for our discussion in the Chart Room or Officer Country?
Great Maps, I’ll need to review these.
American Navy Power is awesome!
President Donald Trump and SECDEF Hegseth issued order to “Clean it up”!
Interestingly, our fabulous Inspectors discovered contraband!
I’m grateful that you patrolled the seas as I was educated by The Charge d’Affairs for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Dr. Riviera.
Also educated by Maricar Donato, formerly of World Bank. Maricar prepped me and I passed all Tests and Exams, earning my Washington D.C. Licensed Professional Tour Guide, 2009.
Pardon my mis-spelling. On August 7th 2025, John Moustakis body blocked me and screamed into my ears. Five witnesses were present. My Right Eye was Tested on 8 August, showing “Damage to the Lower Eye”.
Homefront and Greek Orthodox Church, 1991 - current, I defend my property and my rights!
Seeing a “Force of Strength” affirms American commitment. I’m 100% behind President Trump and SECDEF Hegseth.
Nurse Jane knows she can hold the hand of a dying Soldier. I did this in Charleston, S.C., Beaufort S.C. and in the Middle East.
I rescued two (2) Chinese families!
I knew enough to sever ties with Vietnam.
My accomplishments in Canada speak for themselves.
CDR Salamander, this is Nuclear! Our Era is Nuclear! We need to understand this!
I can help. With your permission. Stay safe. Nurse Jane
W/R/T MSP, 4th Fleet Ops is most of what LCSRON 2 has done operationally with short legs.
I wonder if they fixed the dent on the starboard quarter she got in Duluth.
We sink the Venezuelan Navy, blast its Air Force, and SAM sites, then let Guyana chill?
In diplomatic terms, this is quite a powerful statement by govt of Trin-Tob. Usually, it's a quiet jurisdiction that enjoys relative prosperity based on ample natural gas reserves and LNG exports, plus a remarkably sturdy industrial base that includes things like actual steel mills powered w gas and electricity-from-gas.
Meanwhile, note how Herr Maduro has mobilized his 4-million strong (so they say) popular militia. That -- of course -- is a control-freak thing amongst strongmen; ie, pulse the system and measure the response. And I suppose it would be the thing to do if you were going to invade & annex adjacent territory, like in Guyana. After all, it's not as if you need 4 million people to repel a couple of US naval vessels.
Wonder what the 'refugee/asylum seeker' situation is in T&T and if this alignment/invitation is a hedge to prevent them from getting overwhelmed.
Trinidad wants sailors on liberty. (The sailors should want that too; Trinidad is fun.)
CDR Salamander, respectfully request to disagree!
Show the Flag, our American Flag and continue to patrol these Caribbean waters!
Let’s talk about Simon Bolivarian, shall we?
What a hero to the people!
What a ride to the Andes Mountains!
What an escape every time Colonial Powers tried arresting him!
Viva La Revolution!
Let’s not forget American President Jimmy Carter who oversaw the elections placing Hugo Chavez as the lawful president of Venezuela!
Let’s talk about America, yes?
Let’s talk about the scrap of hair carried round the neck of Simon Bolivarian to remind him of Freedon from Colonial Powers, who robbed the land, leaving poor people to struggle!
Lets’s talk about Florida, Virginia and Maryland, why not?
Shall we do that after lunch, CDR Salamander? Returning to my Post, Nurse Jane.
Is there a possibility the Marines didn't board?
At one time there were regular Marine BLT in the Caribbean afloat and ashore. There were Marines aboard the ships, but what you say may be true!
Interesting times since the northern big three of Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela are all getting along right now. Bad news for the three countries squeezed by Venezuela and Brazil.
...and all three have varying shades of Left as their heads of state.
Well, remember Víctor Jara?
Glad to see we are no longer taking the Leftist take over of the big 3 lightly.
For months a JOINT base in Guyana would be a great idea. Bracketing the Caribbean with JOINT bases is a good idea. Guyana could sure use the help, and SECSTATE has already signed a mutual support agreements with them.
Several recent mutual support and defense cooperation agreements exist between Guyana and the United States, including a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025. The cooperation focuses on addressing regional security challenges, strengthening Guyana's military, and helping protect the nation's territorial integrity against external threats. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key agreements with the United StatesDefense and Security Cooperation Agreement (2021) In January 2021, the U.S. and Guyana signed a formal Defense and Cooperation Agreement. This established a formal basis for the exchange of services between the two militaries, enhancing the professionalism of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF). This agreement has also led to joint patrols to combat illegal fishing and transnational crime. [1, 3, 5]
Security Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (2025) Signed in March 2025, this MoU deepens cooperation in several security areas:
• Countering transnational crime: Joint efforts target narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and other forms of smuggling.
• Military-to-military cooperation: Collaboration is strengthened through training, information sharing, and joint exercises. [1, 2, 6, 7]
Bilateral military exercises The U.S. and Guyana regularly conduct joint training exercises to enhance the GDF's capabilities and military readiness:
• Specialized training: The U.S. Army's 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) has provided training on modern security techniques to the GDF.
• Regional exercises: Guyana regularly hosts or participates in U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) led exercises, such as TRADEWINDS. [8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Cooperation with the United Kingdom In April 2025, Guyana signed a defense cooperation MoU with the United Kingdom. This agreement seeks to enhance collaboration on areas such as:
• Training
• Information sharing
• Cybersecurity
• Defense acquisition [13]
Context of security cooperation The expansion of mutual support agreements with the U.S. and UK is a response to several factors, particularly rising tensions with Venezuela over the Essequibo region:
• Territorial dispute: Following Venezuela's December 2023 referendum on annexing the resource-rich Essequibo region, the U.S. and other partners have increased security support for Guyana.
• Military aid: This support has included U.S. military surveillance overflights, military advisers on the ground, and aid for Guyana to purchase new military equipment.
• Growing economy: As Guyana's oil production rapidly increases, security cooperation also serves to protect its energy interests and ensure regional stability. [15, 16, 17, 18]
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuUqBs_SlS8[2] https://vocesdelsur.prensa-latina.cu/guyana-us-deepen-security-cooperation-advance-plans-for-mutual-prosperity/[3] https://en.mercopress.com/2021/01/14/guyana-and-united-states-sign-defense-and-cooperation-agreement[4] https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2025/03/28/guyana-and-us-sign-pact-to-strengthen-cooperation-address-regional-challenges/[5] https://en.mercopress.com/2021/01/14/guyana-and-united-states-sign-defense-and-cooperation-agreement[6] https://magneticmediatv.com/2025/03/guyana-us-ink-mou-to-deepen-security-cooperation-address-regional-challenges/[7] https://barbadostoday.bb/2025/02/09/guyana-united-states-to-deepen-partnership-aimed-at-boosting-security/[8] https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-army-guyana-defence-forces-strengthen-military-partnership/[9] https://www.southcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/Tag/136526/guyana/[10] https://gdf.mil.gy/u-s-army-guyana-defence-forces-conduct-training-exercise/[11] https://www.southcom.mil/MEDIA/NEWS-ARTICLES/Article/4001004/caribbean-security-leaders-meet-in-trinidad-and-tobago-to-discuss-cooperation/[12] https://caribbeannewsglobal.com/symbolic-of-our-enduring-partnership-and-shared-values/[13] https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/guyana-uk-sign-agreement-for-defence-cooperation-6.2.2280275.c14a2355c8[14] https://apnews.com/article/guyana-us-military-assistance-venezuela-essequibo-8765aa50e4ff5e6e0af61bb527389c0f[15] https://orinocotribune.com/united-states-is-converting-guyana-into-a-military-enclave/[16] https://apnews.com/article/guyana-us-military-assistance-venezuela-essequibo-8765aa50e4ff5e6e0af61bb527389c0f[17] https://dpi.gov.gy/us-guyana-security-cooperation-is-stronger-than-ever-foreign-secretary/[18] https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-guyana/
Just wondering: would that SSN have a SDV aboard by chance?
If I was in charge it would have one.
I'm old enough to remember when we were going to blockage ("D & M Barrier Ops", I believe it was called) Colombia in the late 80s. The JFK was to be the capital ship with a supporting cast (including my NRF FFG). IIRC it was called off a month or so before it was supposed to go down. I recall subsequently reading in the NY Times that the DOD denied there was ever a plan to conduct the blockade.
There is no reason to worry about war with Venezuela, because, according to my own experience, all the people from Venezuela now live in Miami. :)
Everybody has a cousin in Miami.
Except the Haitians, whose cousins are all in Montreal 😁
There's Venezuelan petro-engineers in Alberta. You KNOW Maduro socialism is bad when you move from tropics to tundra.