Episode

1697: "Operation Popeye"

Podcast: Interesting Things with JC
Published: Jun 28, 2026
Duration seconds: 370
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Canonical source: https://jimconnors.net/interesting-things-with-jc/2026/6/28/1697-operation-popeye
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Summary

Interesting Things with JC #1697: "Operation Popeye" – American aircraft flew directly into monsoon clouds and released silver iodide to increase rainfall over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The goal wasn't to destroy roads with bombs but to keep them buried in mud long enough to slow military supplies, and the secret program continued for years before becoming public.