Yes, that’s right, folks. Two surface-to-air missile launchers are sitting on a hill, and while the missile tubes may not be loaded, they are threatening, just the same. As a matter of fact, they are a downright dangerous and a totally stupid and insane move by the state.
The Avengers first came to light on January 16, when pictures taken at the drill pad site were posted on Facebook. Jon Ziegler, a self-described “citizen journalist,” according to the Daily Beast, wrote on his Facebook page above the pictures: “Anti-drone missile system confirmed on top of a hill guarding the DAPL drill pad.”
North Dakota Guard spokesman William Prokopyk was quoted as saying the launchers were not loaded. “These systems have observation capabilities and are used strictly in the observation role to protect private property and public safety.” I guess this goes along with the state’s newest law that allows someone to run down a protester, just by accident.
So does this mean they are just a “show of force?” If they are only used for observation, then why make use of a piece of equipment costing thousands of dollars instead of using a soldier looking through a pair of binoculars? I believe the whole move is a show of the state’s determination to use any means necessary to stop any and all protests against the pipeline.
According to EcoWatch, North Dakota’s new Republican Governor, Doug Burgum has already made it known to the press that he is in favor of the pipeline and told Reuters that he fully expects the pipeline to be approved as soon as Donald Trump takes office on Friday.
“I expect the world’s going to change dramatically on that day relative to finding resolution on this issue,” Burgum said. “I would expect that (Energy Transfer Partners, DAPL’s parent company) will get its easement and it will go through.”
World Pipelines quotes Fox News, saying they made an astute observation on the discovery of the missile launch systems, claiming “the presence of the system could exacerbate things between the Standing Rock protesters and authorities. Police have already shot down a drone for operating in a threatening manner and used water cannons on protesters in frigid temperatures.”
And yes, we are coming down to the final round in this fight. Today, the Army Corps of Engineers published its intent to make an environmental impact statement in the Federal Register, even though Energy Transfer partners had gone to court on Monday to halt the Corps’ move.
And don’t think Energy Transfer partners has been sitting back doing nothing while waiting for an answer from the Corps of Engineers. They have been working right on, doing Horizontal Directional Drilling up to the US Army Corps lands on either side of the Missouri River, creating entry and exit bore holes. (But have not drilled beneath the river).
Dallas Goldtooth, on his Facebook page, wrote: “DAPL is CHOMPING at the bit to get the green light from DC, whether from a federal court or from a more friendly Administration.” I’m afraid I have to agree with Dallas, and the time is getting closer.