Just two pictures from when we went into La Moskitia, one of the coolest places I've ever been. Out of the cloudy sky, in the middle of the jungle, appeared this US military helicopter. It circled us for a bit, and then landed in the middle of this tiny village. As the commandos jumped out, faces painted and rocking M16's, people from all over the jungle came pouring in. The commandos didn't stay very long, just enough to talk to a few people (get directions) and make a statement. Then they disappeared the same way they came.
We found out that they were apparently looking for a different landing strip, where a drug running plane had recently landed or been burned - possibly both - news seems to spread slow and not totally accurately in the jungle. There are several army bases in the region, being on the front line on the war against drugs. Drug planes fly from Columbia to the remote uncontrolled forest of La Moskitia, dropping their cargo, which then makes its way by land through Honduras, Guatemala and then Mexico on the way to the US.
It looked impressive to see these Americans break into town in this loud display of power, however to the local people we talked to, that was all it was - a display of power. It seems to be a common belief that the US military presence here is simply for show, and are either actively involved or passively unconcerned with the drug trade. Judging from our experience, I can see what they mean. As it was pointed out to us, if the military has radar, maps and intelligence - why are they landing blindly in the jungle asking for directions. Surely they should be able to track and intercept the many drug planes coming into the area...or at the very least, know which area to land at.
Whatever you think, La Moskitia is an amazing place. It's a shame that it is being exploited, whoever may be doing it.
No comments:
Post a Comment