# Special Operations on The No Agenda Show

Special Operations comes up in 21 chapters across 21 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from March 2009 to November 2024.

- **Chapters:** 21
- **Episodes:** 21
- **Discussed:** March 2009 – November 2024
- **Related topics:** [Syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [Iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), [Isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), [Afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [Bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [Cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [Ezra Cohen-watnick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ezra-cohen-watnick.md), [Hillary Clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [Propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md), [Taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 21

### Sergei Markov, Nuclear Threats and Polish Military Readiness

- **Episode:** [1715: Scruples](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1715-scruples.md)
- **Published:** 2024-11-24
- **Time:** 34:35–37:29
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1715-scruples/chapter/sergei-markov-nuclear-threats-and-polish-military-readiness.md

Sergei Markov, a former spokesperson for Vladimir Putin, warned on the BBC that Western escalation could lead to nuclear war before Christmas. However, military sources suggest that a Russian attack on Poland would be "suicide" due to the high readiness of the Polish military and U.S. backing. Poland is characterized as a dedicated, less corrupt ally compared to Ukraine, with a "never again" mentality regarding Russian interference.

Keywords: sergei markov, [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [poland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poland.md), [nuclear war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-war.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), army special operations

### US Special Ops Raid in Syria, ISIS Leader Killed

- **Episode:** [1531: Dead Name](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1531-dead-name.md)
- **Published:** 2023-06-12
- **Time:** 2:31:05–2:35:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1531-dead-name/chapter/us-special-ops-raid-in-syria-isis-leader-killed.md

A US helicopter raid in northeastern Syria resulted in the death of ISIS leader Hamza al-Homsi. Four American service members and a working dog were wounded in an explosion during the operation. The hosts note the lack of mainstream media coverage regarding the ongoing presence of 900 US troops in Syria and the frequency of these targeted raids.

Keywords: [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), hamza al-homsi, [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), working dogs

### US Somalia Raid, Bilal al-Sudani, ISIS Leader Killed

- **Episode:** [1525: Mask in a Bottle](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1525-mask-in-a-bottle.md)
- **Published:** 2023-01-29
- **Time:** 2:34:37–2:37:42
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1525-mask-in-a-bottle/chapter/us-somalia-raid-bilal-al-sudani-isis-leader-killed.md

U.S. special operations forces conducted a raid in northern Somalia, killing senior ISIS leader Bilal al-Sudani and ten other militants. The Pentagon reported that the team had practiced for weeks using mock-ups of the target cave complex, similar to the 2011 Bin Laden raid. President Biden gave final approval for the operation, which officials claimed left the U.S. "safer and more secure."

Keywords: [somalia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/somalia.md), bilal al-sudani, [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md)

### Vladimir Putin's Military Strategy and Nuclear Readiness

- **Episode:** [1514: Holiday Heart](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1514-holiday-heart.md)
- **Published:** 2022-12-22
- **Time:** 21:03–24:27
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1514-holiday-heart/chapter/vladimir-putin-s-military-strategy-and-nuclear-readiness.md

Russian President Vladimir Putin held an extended meeting with defense officials to set military objectives for the New Year. Putin emphasized the development of Russia's nuclear combat readiness and framed the conflict as a broader war against NATO and the West rather than just Ukraine.

Keywords: [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [russian defense ministry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russian-defense-ministry.md), nuclear forces, [nato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nato.md), special military operation

### Special Operations in Afghanistan, UN Peacekeeping Proposals

- **Episode:** [1338: Forever Wars](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1338-forever-wars.md)
- **Published:** 2021-04-15
- **Time:** 2:29:51–2:35:22
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1338-forever-wars/chapter/special-operations-in-afghanistan-un-peacekeeping-proposals.md

Democracy Now! featured experts who claim that while 3,500 "acknowledged" troops are leaving Afghanistan, thousands of special operations forces, CIA teams, and contractors will remain. Professor Tahir Wahab suggests that UN peacekeeping forces are necessary to prevent a total Taliban takeover within two months of the U.S. exit.

Keywords: [democracy now](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democracy-now.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), un peacekeeping

### Lin Wood and the "Great Awakening" Legal Narrative

- **Episode:** [1297: Going Bananas](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1297-going-bananas.md)
- **Published:** 2020-11-26
- **Time:** 1:34:39–1:38:20
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1297-going-bananas/chapter/lin-wood-and-the-great-awakening-legal-narrative.md

Attorney Lin Wood discusses the realignment of the Department of Defense and a 2018 executive order regarding foreign interference. He predicts a "Great Awakening" where truth regarding election fraud, Hunter Biden's laptop, and high-level pedophilia will be revealed through thousands of sealed indictments.

Keywords: [lin wood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lin-wood.md), [ezra cohen-watnick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ezra-cohen-watnick.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [pedophilia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pedophilia.md), satanic worship

### Special Operations Division, Troop Drawdown, Pentagon Audit

- **Episode:** [1296: Kraken Keeper](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1296-kraken-keeper.md)
- **Published:** 2020-11-20
- **Time:** 2:51:06–2:56:15
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1296-kraken-keeper/chapter/special-operations-division-troop-drawdown-pentagon-audit.md

The U.S. military announced that Special Operations will now function as its own division under civilian rule, effectively pulling it away from CIA oversight. This move coincides with a planned drawdown of troops in Afghanistan and Iraq to 2,500 each by January 15, 2021. Additionally, the Pentagon announced it expects to complete a clean financial audit by 2027.

Keywords: [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), [pentagon audit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon-audit.md), [ezra cohen-watnick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ezra-cohen-watnick.md)

### Syrian Sovereignty, John Kirby on US Troop Deployment

- **Episode:** [821: Manterruptors](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/821-manterruptors.md)
- **Published:** 2016-05-01
- **Time:** 2:34:13–2:38:10
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/821-manterruptors/chapter/syrian-sovereignty-john-kirby-on-us-troop-deployment.md

State Department spokesperson John Kirby is questioned about the deployment of 250 additional US troops to Syria without the Syrian government's approval. Kirby dismisses claims of a breach of sovereignty from Syria and Iran, characterizing the move as an "advise and assist" mission against Daesh. He becomes visibly exasperated when asked to define the legal basis for the intervention.

Keywords: [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [john kirby](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kirby.md), [sovereignty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereignty.md), [boots on the ground](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boots-on-the-ground.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [aleppo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aleppo.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md)

### JSOC Afghanistan Hub, Year-End Sign-Off

- **Episode:** [786: Come Together](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/786-come-together.md)
- **Published:** 2016-01-03
- **Time:** 2:47:20–2:56:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/786-come-together/chapter/jsoc-afghanistan-hub-year-end-sign-off.md

The Pentagon is considering a plan to use a base in Afghanistan as a permanent hub for JSOC and special operations throughout Central Asia, contradicting President Obama's withdrawal pledges. The show concludes with a New Year sign-off and a soundboard-heavy mix featuring Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton clips.

Keywords: [jsoc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jsoc.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), trump soundboard

### Special Operations in Syria, Hillary Clinton Combat Claims

- **Episode:** [783: Bernie and the Breach](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/783-bernie-and-the-breach.md)
- **Published:** 2015-12-20
- **Time:** 40:06–42:26
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/783-bernie-and-the-breach/chapter/special-operations-in-syria-hillary-clinton-combat-claims.md

Hillary Clinton is questioned about the deployment of Special Operations forces to Syria and Iraq despite her pledge not to send "combat troops." The hosts discuss the death of a Delta Force member and suggest that the government may be using mercenaries or private contractors to skirt public definitions of ground combat.

Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), [delta force](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/delta-force.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [mercenaries](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mercenaries.md)

### BBC Report, US Special Forces in Kurdistan

- **Episode:** [770: Mighty Men of Valor](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/770-mighty-men-of-valor.md)
- **Published:** 2015-11-01
- **Time:** 32:35–35:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/770-mighty-men-of-valor/chapter/bbc-report-us-special-forces-in-kurdistan.md

The BBC reported on the shift in US policy as Special Forces began operations in Syria for the first time since the civil war began. Meanwhile, CBS News reporter Elizabeth Palmer discovered US Special Operations forces already operating on the ground in Erbil, Iraq, alongside Kurdish fighters. This follows a joint raid on an ISIS prison that resulted in the death of Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler.

Keywords: [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [kurdistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kurdistan.md), [erbil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/erbil.md), joshua wheeler, [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md)

### Jade Helm 15 Military Exercise and Armband Comments

- **Episode:** [717: Juice Jacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/717-juice-jacking.md)
- **Published:** 2015-04-30
- **Time:** 1:53:48–1:57:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/717-juice-jacking/chapter/jade-helm-15-military-exercise-and-armband-comments.md

White House spokesman Josh Earnest addresses concerns regarding the Jade Helm 15 military exercise in Texas. Earnest mentions that participating soldiers will wear armbands for identification, a detail the hosts find disturbing and compare to historical authoritarian insignias.

Keywords: [jade helm 15](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jade-helm-15.md), [josh earnest](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/josh-earnest.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), armbands

### James Foley, Failed Rescue Mission Claims

- **Episode:** [646: Boundless Barbarity](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/646-boundless-barbarity.md)
- **Published:** 2014-08-30
- **Time:** 2:12:31–2:15:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/646-boundless-barbarity/chapter/james-foley-failed-rescue-mission-claims.md

U.S. officials claimed that a covert Special Operations mission was launched in early July to rescue journalist James Foley and other hostages from an oil refinery in northern Syria. The mission reportedly involved Black Hawk helicopters with "stealth technology" and resulted in a firefight with ISIS militants, though the hostages had already been moved. Skeptics point out the lack of on-the-record sources for these specific details.

Keywords: [james foley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-foley.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [black hawk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-hawk.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [oil refinery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-refinery.md)

### ISIS Staging Theories and Hollywood Special Effects

- **Episode:** [645: Ghost of Austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/645-ghost-of-austin.md)
- **Published:** 2014-08-22
- **Time:** 1:31:55–1:36:36
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/645-ghost-of-austin/chapter/isis-staging-theories-and-hollywood-special-effects.md

The theory that ISIS videos are staged by Western intelligence agencies (MI6 or CIA) is explored. The hosts argue that if the goal was to truly terrify the public, the videos would be more graphic and less "Hollywood-style" with fades and clean cuts. They point out technical discrepancies like "drop shadows" in the final frames and the lack of synchronization in the audio.

Keywords: [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), [special effects](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-effects.md), [photoshop](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photoshop.md), [psychological operation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psychological-operation.md), [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md)

### Deloitte Global Defense Outlook 2013, Cyber Warfare Transition

- **Episode:** [521: Techno Boondoggle](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/521-techno-boondoggle.md)
- **Published:** 2013-06-13
- **Time:** 43:43–50:35
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/521-techno-boondoggle/chapter/deloitte-global-defense-outlook-2013-cyber-warfare-transition.md

The Deloitte & Touche "Global Defense Outlook 2013" report outlines a shift in military strategy toward special operations and cyber warfare. As traditional defense budgets in high-income states decline, the report suggests a "balancing" of security and prosperity. The U.S. Cyber Command, established in 2009, is highlighted as a primary area of investment to exploit the military potential of the digital domain.

Keywords: [deloitte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deloitte.md), [cyber command](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-command.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [military spending](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-spending.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md)

### Hillary Clinton and the Global Counterterrorism Communications Center

- **Episode:** [411: Seal Team 666](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/411-seal-team-666.md)
- **Published:** 2012-05-24
- **Time:** 6:23–10:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/411-seal-team-666/chapter/hillary-clinton-and-the-global-counterterrorism-communications-center.md

Hillary Clinton addressed the Special Operations Command regarding the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR). She detailed efforts by the State Department to contest online spaces by altering Al-Qaeda recruitment ads in Yemen. The segment concludes with a description of Clinton being presented with a sword referred to as Excalibur by Admiral McRaven.

Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [yemen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yemen.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md), qddr, [special operations command](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations-command.md), excalibur

### Admiral Bill McRaven, Special Operations Spec Ops Book

- **Episode:** [405: Piles of Pelicans](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans.md)
- **Published:** 2012-05-03
- **Time:** 12:36–15:13
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/admiral-bill-mcraven-special-operations-spec-ops-book.md

Admiral Bill McRaven is identified as the primary architect behind the bin Laden raid and the author of the book "Spec Ops." Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mike Mullen describes the intense preparation and "steely-eyed glare" of the SEAL team members prior to the mission's execution.

Keywords: [bill mcraven](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-mcraven.md), [mike mullen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-mullen.md), [navy seals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/navy-seals.md), spec ops, [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [joint chiefs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joint-chiefs.md)

### Transregional Web Initiative and Drone Procurement

- **Episode:** [366: Fools & Knaves](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/366-fools-knaves.md)
- **Published:** 2011-12-18
- **Time:** 36:37–40:14
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/366-fools-knaves/chapter/transregional-web-initiative-and-drone-procurement.md

The NDAA funds the "Transregional Web Initiative," an $18 million program for the U.S. Special Operations Command to develop websites tailored to influence foreign audiences. The initiative requires measurement mechanisms like Google Analytics to ensure target audiences are reached. The hosts also point out the massive amounts of money allocated for the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ammunition.

Keywords: transregional web initiative, [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md), [uav](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uav.md), [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md), [special operations command](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations-command.md)

### Jack Jacobs, Helicopter Crash Technical Discrepancies

- **Episode:** [328: Pounding the Pavement](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/328-pounding-the-pavement.md)
- **Published:** 2011-08-07
- **Time:** 20:21–24:54
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/328-pounding-the-pavement/chapter/jack-jacobs-helicopter-crash-technical-discrepancies.md

Colonel Jack Jacobs discusses the technical aspects of the Chinook crash on news media, claiming the aircraft is easy to shoot down with small arms or RPGs. Discrepancies emerge regarding whether the helicopter clipped a wall or suffered a mechanical failure. The use of a large Chinook for a special operations mission is questioned compared to the stealth Blackhawks used in the Abbottabad raid.

Keywords: jack jacobs, ch-47 chinook, [vortex ring state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vortex-ring-state.md), [rpg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rpg.md), [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md)

### General Dynamics Web Contract and USDA Pork Buyout

- **Episode:** [129: Unionize Everything](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/129-unionize-everything.md)
- **Published:** 2009-09-10
- **Time:** 58:48–1:00:36
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/129-unionize-everything/chapter/general-dynamics-web-contract-and-usda-pork-buyout.md

General Dynamics was awarded a $10 million contract to develop websites for the US Special Operations Command to influence foreign audiences. Simultaneously, the USDA agreed to spend $151 million this year purchasing surplus pork to compensate the industry for losses attributed to the swine flu outbreak.

Keywords: [general dynamics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-dynamics.md), [usda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usda.md), [pork industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pork-industry.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [special operations command](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations-command.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md)

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