The Threat to America from the South: Iran and Self-Propelled Fully Submersible Watercraft
Abstract
A significant threat to the security of United States exists in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility. Iran has infiltrated the Western Hemisphere through its economic and political relationships with Central and South American states, most notably Venezuela. These relationships have permitted Iran-sponsored organizations, Hezbollah and the Iran Republican Guard Corps - Qods Force, to permeate the region. Concurrently, drug trafficking organizations implement self-propelled fully-submersible watercraft to covertly transport cargo. The combination of this technology with state-sponsored terrorists provides an opportunity for the penetration of U.S. defenses to place a weapon of mass destruction/ explosion on U.S. territory. This paper examines advantages and shortfalls in the command relationships and assets available to U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Northern Command to adequately respond to this threat of attack.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA546265
Entities
People
- Douglas G. Steil
Organizations
- Naval War College