By Dailymail. US officials are keeping a keen eye on a Russian complex nestled on the edge of a volcanic crater in Nicaragua. The Washington Post reports the local government described the complex as, 'simply a tracking site of the Russian version of a GPS satellite system', but not everyone is convinced it isn't something more sinister. US officials are keeping a keen eye on a Russian complex pictured nestled on the edge of a volcanic crater in Nicaragua.
Other officials said there are concerns the hub could be a 'dual use' facility, meaning it could house equipment and workers with the ability to conduct electronic surveillance against American citizens. From where the compound is located, it offers those who are based there a clear view of the US Embassy about 10 miles away in the heart of Managua. The increase in activity is the latest in a growing string of similar upticks by Putin's government in recent years - including sending troops into Crimea, backing Ukrainian separatists, and the country's involvement in Syria and Iraq.
Security experts, according to the Times, believe this could be different however, as it could be a direct response to American activity in Eastern Europe. And while the US is not entirely alarmed, it is on alert - and acting accordingly. A new State Department chief appointed to the landlocked country was moved there from the Russian desk.
Pictured is an image via Google Maps showing what appears to be the center being used by Russia. The center has been built near the Laguna de Nejapa in Managua - the capital of the Central American nation. In recent years, Russia has given the Nicaraguan government hundreds of buses to be used for public transportation. Some are pictured. Other American officials, the Times reports, who have recently been sent to Nicaragua speak Russian or have experience in the former Soviet state.
The CIA was quick to respond at threw its weight behind rebels known as 'contras' - who fought against the Soviet-friendly Sandinistas. A soldier washes a Russian T tank during a military parade in Managua September 3, Russia has sold the country tanks in recent years. And in recent years, Russia has worked in the country to reestablish its foothold, which largely disappeared after the Soviet Union fell.
