Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASUNCION611
2009-10-21 18:22:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Asuncion
Cable title:
ELITE PARAGUAYAN MILITARY UNIT STANDS ON ITS OWN
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHAC #0611 2941823 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O R 211822Z OCT 09 FM AMEMBASSY ASUNCION TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0112 INFO MERCOSUR COLLECTIVE RHMCSUU/CDR USSOCOM MACDILL AFB FL RHMFIUU/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
UNCLAS ASUNCION 000611
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
TO WHA/BSC MDASCHBACH
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV MASS MCAP PREL PA
SUBJECT: ELITE PARAGUAYAN MILITARY UNIT STANDS ON ITS OWN
REF: A. ASUNCION 562; B. STATE 97946
(SBU) The U.S. relinquished direct management of the newly created
Joint Special Forces Battalion (BCFE) to the Paraguayan military
October 14. U.S. Special Forces transferred over USD 1.3 million
worth of weapons, equipment and ammunition to the BCFE October 12.
The official ceremony tentatively set for November 4 will end U.S.
involvement in BCFE training, which began in July 2007. As agreed,
U.S. Special Forces Operational Detachment A (ODA) left Paraguay
October 5 (reftel B). The BCFE Commander is Coronel Ramon Hernesto
Benitez Amarilla.
AYALDE