WI Netherlands and United States invasion of Suriname (1986)

At the end of 1986, The Netherlands government planned an invasion of Suriname to arrest military coup leader Desi Bouterse. The plan involved 850 Netherlands marines and 16 Netherlands helicopters that were supported by American ships, airplanes and helicopters.

One of the objectives of the operation was the seizure of 'Zanderij' airport. In addition, it was planned to parachute marines into Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo. An SF unit would then try to capture Bouterse in one of his safehouses - known to the CIA. After the successful invasion, the Netherlands were to stay at least one month to stabilize the situation and protect Dutch civilians.

The plan was however halted in early 1987 due to the high probability of military and civilian casualties.

So what if the invasion did happen.
 

abc123

Banned
At the end of 1986, The Netherlands government planned an invasion of Suriname to arrest military coup leader Desi Bouterse. The plan involved 850 Netherlands marines and 16 Netherlands helicopters that were supported by American ships, airplanes and helicopters.

One of the objectives of the operation was the seizure of 'Zanderij' airport. In addition, it was planned to parachute marines into Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo. An SF unit would then try to capture Bouterse in one of his safehouses - known to the CIA. After the successful invasion, the Netherlands were to stay at least one month to stabilize the situation and protect Dutch civilians.

The plan was however halted in early 1987 due to the high probability of military and civilian casualties.

So what if the invasion did happen.


Well, the Dutch are more-less guillty for the whole situation there because they unilaterally pushed Surinam into independence without leaving some sort of military presence there.
 
I too read that article in the Volkskrant on the subject. An important thing to consider is that while the Dutch would 'fire the first shot', they'd have heavy American support as they simply didn't have the means of transport and logistics. Note that Reagan also pledged to help with the post-invasion 'situation', possibly sending in soldiers as well.
 
The only thing the Netherlands need is a United States Navy Iwo Jima class helicopter landing platform ship to use as a base of operations, from which the royal Netherlands marines can launch the invasion of Suriname.
 
I am sure that the cloggies would do very well for themselves, I wonder what would happen in the long term? Would this cause an increase in the number of Dutch soldiers in the long term or a resurgence in Dutch military power?
 

MacCaulay

Banned
I'm wondering if the US would be taking any sort of active role. Let's face it, when you're dealing with the kind of wars that were fought in Panama and Grenada (which this would probably be closest to in intensity and operational tempo), even a single battalion of the 82nd would be a huge help.





I am sure that the cloggies would do very well for themselves, I wonder what would happen in the long term? Would this cause an increase in the number of Dutch soldiers in the long term or a resurgence in Dutch military power?

Well, them having a battle group in Afghanistan hasn't done too much. If anything it's worn their shit out faster than it would have had they just been sitting at home. (though I should say they're good soldiers. I've called in indirect artillery support from Dutch 105s and 155s and they were almost always spot on)

But of course, that's the standard argument a lot of folks use with the military: if you didn't keep getting in fights, you wouldn't have to ask us for more weapons. :rolleyes:
 
How about the Suriname Guerrilla War, what will the Jungle commando's do. They hate Boutese's guts (at least they did), but will they join this "invasion force"?
 
If they get weapons and a role in the new government which will be formed after the Netherlands United States invasion, then I think they will join the invasion force.
 
Top