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CNN-Time's "Operation Tailwind" Report Exposed: Investigation Reveals Misquotes and Falsifications

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a shocking turn of events, the Special Forces Association (SFA) has launched a thorough investigation into a CNN-Time report alleging that U.S. troops killed defectors and used deadly sarin gas in Laos during "Operation Tailwind" in 1970. The investigation, led by the SFA, has uncovered evidence that contradicts the CNN-Time report, which included testimony from a former soldier, Jay Graves, claiming that he was part of the reconnaissance team that scouted an enemy camp in Laos.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Special Forces Association's investigation reveals that Jay Graves, a key source for the CNN-Time report, was not in Laos at the time of "Operation Tailwind" but was instead stationed near Saigon.
  • CNN-Time relied on interviews with Robert Van Buskirk, a prison minister and former platoon leader, who claimed that the military used SOG's Company B as guinea pigs to test a "cocktail" of gases.
  • Mr. Van Buskirk also alleged that the CIA set a trap for his company the day of insertion, ensuring a firefight to take pressure off CIA-backed Laotian guerrillas.
  • A former member of the Studies and Observation Group (SOG), who remained anonymous, disputed CNN-Time's report, stating that if sarin had been used, it would have killed the SOG members too.
  • Pilots who flew the A-1 Skyraiders during the operation claim that they dropped tear gas, known as CBU-19, which was effective in suppressing close-in enemy troops.
  • Time Magazine's Managing Editor, Walter Isaacson, stated that the magazine believed the initial CNN report and article were based on substantial evidence but now feels that the doubts raised deserve full exploration.

Statistics:

  • The "NewsStand" story was sythesized by correspondent Peter Arnett and producer April Oliver.
  • The associated Weekly Standard reported that Miss Oliver and Mr. Arnett knew the report was false on scientific grounds.
  • A leading expert on sarin stated that the symptoms described by CNN-Time did not fit with exposure to nerve agent.
  • The scientist told CNN's correspondent that he knew it was sarin gas because it had been confirmed to him by the Pentagon, but this information was not included in the CNN-Time report.
  • Mr. Arnett has repeatedly faced criticism from war veterans for reporting false stories about the use of poisonous gas in Vietnam.
  • The Pentagon's investigation is expected to be completed by July 8.
  • 16 members of the SOG team stormed a North Vietnamese "village base camp" in Laos during the operation.

Sources:

  • CNN-Time's report on "Operation Tailwind"
  • The Weekly Standard, June 29 issue
  • Time Magazine, June 7 issue
  • Associated Press, 1965
  • Special Forces Association (SFA)
  • Pentagon officials and representatives of the SFA.

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