
Source: Sputnik Mundo
What it’s about: In this piece, Sputnik cites a recent article published in Aristegui Noticias authored by Miguel Bonasso, a well-known Argentine journalist and writer. In the article, Bonasso recounts information provided by an anonymous Argentine military official who alleges that Argentine President Maurio Macri has authorized the construction of four U.S. military bases in the country. The article also criticizes that administration for organizing a series of military activities with the U.S. without proper authorization from Argentina’s congress. Specifically, Bonasso’s source expresses concern over the series of exercises that are being undertaken in anticipation of the November 2018 G-20 Summit.
What’s false about it: There is little evidence to support Bonasso’s article, and major Argentine newspapers have not reported on the claims that Macri administration is allowing the U.S. to open military bases in the country. A July 21 article in Clarín contains reports from military sources that Argentine and U.S. military forces are conducting regular military exercises between July 12 and August 3, as was agreed to by the U.S. with Argentina’s Minister of National Security, Patricia Bullrich and that fall under the preparations for this year’s series of G-20 events. However there is no mention of plans to build additional military bases nor violations of the law by Macri’s administration. In this case, Sputnik has picked information out of context and issued a headline that suggests an action by the U.S. military that appears to be false.