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WARNING ORDER MSOT 8312 Viking SITUATION: MSOT 8312 has worked really hard lately. You deserve a beach episode. A day off has been permitted with moderate alcohol consumption courtesy of Manuel Diego Esperanza, owner of a local Tiki theme bar. LTC Brueske has volunteered to man the BBQ pit. ENEMY: Poor weather MPs FRIENDLY: Local Jetski rental place Manuel Diego Esperanza: Tiki bar owner MISSION: MSOT 8312 will Have a good time 160th SOAR will Provide BBQ support to MSOT 8312 COMMANDERS INTENT: Party! RECONNAISSANCE: WEATHER: Sunny 14NOV24 IU 17:00 SPECIAL EQUIPMENT Beachwear, Jetskis, rental cars SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Each element will designate a driver. Early load-in will be permitted around 19:20-19:30 EST ROE: Do not engage the tiki bar with excessive force. Code Words LAST CALL: Wrap up the night, time to go home. END WARNING ORDER

U.S. Military Supporting Venezuelan Rebels; Incident Highlights Challenges in New Phase of Democratization U.S. military forces are now operating in northern Venezuela in direct support of the Transitional Council’s rebel forces, following the death of Nicolás Maduro and the collapse of his loyalist government in much of the country. Marines and other U.S. personnel are working alongside rebel units to secure key infrastructure, stabilize contested regions, and prepare for humanitarian operations. The Pentagon confirmed the mission, stating, “U.S. forces are operating in support of efforts to restore democratic governance, uphold security, and protect civilians in coordination with Venezuela’s internationally recognized Transitional Council upon their request.” American personnel can be seen alongside rebel checkpoints and facilities, operating under U.S. flags. However, this new mission has not been without complications. During a routine security operation north of Chinu, a U.S. Marine vehicle reportedly opened fire on a civilian car after the driver failed to comply with checkpoint instructions. Though no injuries occurred, the vehicle was heavily damaged and the incident has sparked local frustration. The civilian involved, Luis Herrera, a 62-year-old delivery driver, spoke angrily to local media: “I did nothing wrong. I slowed down and then even stopped the car about 200 metres from their checkpoint. They didn’t say stop, they didn’t say go, and then suddenly they opened fire, when I tried to turn around, like I’m some kind of criminal. I ran for my life!” Herrera expressed outrage that no one from the U.S. forces had apologized directly, adding, “I worked ten years to buy that car. Now it’s scrap metal because some foreign soldier got nervous. Additionaly, it took me hours to find my way out of the jungle and I missed my granddaughter's wedding in Montelibano because of all this!” Mr. Herrera at the site of the alledged incident U.S. military officials declined to comment directly on the reported incident near Chinu, citing policies against discussing ongoing operations. A Pentagon spokesperson stated, “We do not comment on the specifics of operational movements or engagements in areas where U.S. forces may be present in support roles. However, we take any allegations of harm to civilians seriously and expect all personnel to uphold the highest standards of conduct and established Rules of Engagement.” Officials emphasized that any U.S. presence in the region is strictly focused on security cooperation and humanitarian preparation, not on direct engagement with Venezuelan civilians. Regarding compensation for the damaged vehicle, officials said such matters would be handled through appropriate local or transitional authorities, not through U.S. channels. Mr. Herrera with his damaged vehicle Editorial: Venezuela and the Perils of Another U.S. Intervention The recent news that U.S. military forces are operating openly in northern Venezuela in support of the Transitional Council should give everyone reason to pause. History has shown time and again that even well-intentioned interventions can spiral beyond their original objectives, leaving behind instability, resentment, and unintended consequences. The U.S. mission in Venezuela is framed as supporting democracy, protecting civilians, and helping stabilize a broken nation. These are admirable goals — but they sound strikingly familiar. From Vietnam and Iraq to Afghanistan, the pattern is clear: initial success breeds mission creep, which causes mistakes in turn causing friction with the local population. Eventually the backlash against foreign troops grows and they become seen not as liberators but occupiers. Already, the signs are there. The minor incident at a checkpoint — a Marine vehicle opening fire on a civilian’s car — has sparked anger and distrust among Venezuelans simply trying to survive. For Luis Herrera, the civilian whose livelihood was wrecked through no fault of his own, this is not a humanitarian mission. It’s an occupying force breaking things and walking away. Multiply that frustration by a thousand small mistakes, and goodwill evaporates fast. America’s military presence may help secure the Transitional Council’s fragile hold on power for now. But Washington must ask itself the harder question: how long will we stay, and at what cost? Stability cannot be imposed at gunpoint, and democracy rarely takes root under the shadow of foreign boots. If the U.S. is serious about helping Venezuela, it must ensure its presence does not sow the seeds of the next insurgency. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Inés Suárez, On-Site Correspondent Del Mundo This article may also interest you: Two children killed by anti-personnel mines in the jungle near the town of Caucasia.

WARNING ORDER MSOT 8313 Hades SITUATION: With the collapse of the Venezuelan loyalist forces and the consolidation of the SUG forces across the North of the country, most direct engagements have ended with conventional forces. However, there are still pockets of loyalist resistance, and they appear to be attempting to establish an insurgency. SUG forces have been recognized as the legitimate government, but since they are overstretched attempting to solidify their new position, they have requested aid. Washington has agreed to help and is deploying us as advisors and support personnel to bolster the new Venezuelan forces. Use of identifiable markers for US personnel are now required and given our new role, we are not authorized to engage unless fired upon, unless explicitly instructed otherwise. ENEMY: The main OPFOR in this AO are the remnants of Loyalist units that were defeated conventionally and are now attempting to fight an insurgency. Force size, equipment, and exact tactics are unknown at this time. Expect normal insurgent actions. FRIENDLY: Venezuelan SUG forces. Note: SUG forces have not yet been able to provide uniforms for all its soldiers. Expect some degree of variation and even civilian clothing in some cases. MISSION: MSOT 8313 will Link up with friendly forces and escort them with MRAPs to OBJ GULL Be ready for possible further tasking 160th SOAR will Support MSOT 8313 Be ready for possible further tasking COMMANDERS INTENT: Provide deterrence against any attempt to hinder SUG forces moving South RECONNAISSANCE: The accuracy of enemy positions along the front lines is based on possibly outdated intel given the fluid situation, and it should not be heavily relied upon. 8313 AO WEATHER: Rainy 11NOV24 IU 12:00 SPECIAL EQUIPMENT M-ATVs, SLAT Armor kit. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS ROE: 1. Do not fire unless hostile intent is shown. (Pointing weapons in your direction, maneuvering on your position, attempting to interfere with the convoy) 2. Armed civilians will be present in your AO, they are not to be engaged unless displaying hostile intent. 3. SHOUT, SHOW, SHOOT (Warning shots should be attempted but we recognize that this may not always be practical when faced with speeding vehicles and poor sightlines. Attempting to disable vehicles is preferable to killing the driver) 4. Respect civilian property (Minimize use of HE in and around structures whenever possible) 5. No entry in this ROE should be interpreted as forcing you to endanger your team needlessly. Exercise sound judgement at all times. Code Words SHATTER: Sending station is combat ineffective. HAVOC: Comms compromised, scramble comms. END WARNING ORDER