USS Honduras | Under the Shadow, Ep. 6

Often overlooked in the story of U.S. imperialism in Central America, Honduras has served as a training base and staging ground for interventions throughout the region. In the 1980s, the impacts were devastating.

February 13, 2024

Bertha Oliva of COFADEH stands in her "temple," a wall dedicated to disappeared victims of 1980s Honduras. (Michael Fox)

 

Read the transcript. 

In the 1980s, Honduras was ground zero for U.S. operations in Central America. It was a base of operations for the U.S.-trained, funded, and backed Contras, in their war against Nicaragua’s Sandinista government. And it was a staging ground for U.S. military involvement and CIA missions in the region.

Within the country, that meant using the same strategy seen throughout the rest of the region: state repression, disappearances, torture, and the overwhelming presence of the United States.

In this episode, host Michael Fox visits Honduran family members of the disappeared and the walls of the largest U.S. military base in Central America.

Under the Shadow is a new investigative narrative podcast series that walks back in time, telling the story of the past by visiting momentous places in the present. 

In each episode, host Michael Fox takes us to a location where something historic happened—a landmark of revolutionary struggle or foreign intervention. Today, it might look like a random street corner, a church, a mall, a monument, or a museum. But every place he takes us was once the site of history-making events that shook countries, impacted lives, and left deep marks on the world.

Hosted by Latin America-based journalist Michael Fox.

This podcast is produced in partnership between The Real News Network and NACLA.

Guests:
Bertha Oliva, COFADEH
Adrienne Pine
Karla Lara
Grahame Russell, Rights Action

Edited by Heather Gies.
Sound design by Gustavo Türck.
Voice Actors: Andalusia K. Soloff
Theme music by Monte Perdido. Other music from Blue Dot Sessions.
Follow and support journalist Michael Fox or Under the Shadow at https://www.patreon.com/mfox

Bertha Oliva of COFADEH stands in her "temple," an area dedicated to disappeared victims of 1980s Honduras. (Michael Fox)

Bertha Oliva of COFADEH speaks about victims disappeared in 1980s Honduras. (Michael Fox)

Photos of the disappeared on display at COFADEH, which has fought for truth and justice surrounding the abuses of the 1980s for our 40 years. (Michael Fox)

Honduras's congressional building, outside of which relatives of the disappeared have held demonstrations for over 40 years, demanding truth and justice. (Michael Fox)

The hills of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. (Michael Fox)

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