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Canadian Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, is accused of leading a transnational drug trafficking network linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. Authorities have seized assets including motorcycles, artwork, and medals. Wedding remains at large, with a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest, amid ongoing international law enforcement efforts.
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On January 3, 2026, US forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from Caracas, transferring them to the US to face federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges. The operation follows months of US military strikes on alleged drug smuggling vessels and sanctions targeting Venezuela and Colombia. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was declared interim president by Venezuela's highest court.
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The U.S. military has seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, citing narcoterrorism charges. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the operation as an invasion, asserting Maduro remains Venezuela's legitimate leader. The U.S. plans a transitional government with international backing, escalating tensions in the region.
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Following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela and comments from Trump and Rubio, the U.S. signals a more assertive regional stance. Trump emphasizes Greenland's strategic importance, prompting Denmark's opposition. Meanwhile, tensions rise with Cuba over Maduro's ousting, with warnings of potential U.S. actions against allies and adversaries alike.
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As of January 21, 2026, former US President Donald Trump has shifted to support Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez following the US military capture of Nicolás Maduro. Despite María Corina Machado winning the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize and claiming broad popular support, Trump doubts her ability to lead Venezuela. Machado has offered to share her Nobel Prize with Trump, who has welcomed the gesture but maintains Rodríguez's leadership is more viable.
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Colombia's President Gustavo Petro and former US President Donald Trump exchanged calls amid recent tensions. Trump initially threatened military action against Colombia over drug allegations but later expressed appreciation for Petro's tone, with plans for a future meeting. The shift suggests a potential thaw in diplomatic relations.
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In interviews with major outlets, former President Trump asserts he is above international law, citing his own morality as the only limit to his actions. He has launched military operations in Venezuela, threatened Colombia, and expressed interest in taking Greenland, raising international concerns about U.S. unilateralism.
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As of late January 2026, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have fled political repression and economic collapse since 2014, forming one of the world's largest diasporas. While Venezuelans abroad in the US, Colombia, and Spain express cautious hope following the US-led ouster of Nicolás Maduro, those inside Venezuela face ongoing repression, economic hardship, and uncertainty under interim leader Delcy Rodríguez.
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Since January 20, 2026, the Trump administration launched "Operation Catch of the Day," targeting roughly 1,400 immigrants in Maine, focusing on those with alleged criminal records. Governor Janet Mills and local leaders criticize the operation for secrecy and community disruption, especially in Portland and Lewiston's immigrant populations. The raids coincide with a broader visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including many African nations, amid heightened immigration enforcement nationwide.
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Colombia deploys 30,000 troops to its border with Venezuela amid increased armed group activity, including the ELN and dissident FARC factions. The Colombian government warns of potential military action if Venezuela's government does not curb the presence of these groups, which are linked to drug trafficking and illegal economies. Recent US actions against Maduro have heightened tensions.
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China's population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, falling by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion. Birth rates hit a historic low of 5.63 per 1,000 people, while deaths rose to 8.04 per 1,000. Despite government incentives like child subsidies and tax changes, efforts to reverse the demographic decline have failed, raising concerns about economic growth and an aging workforce.
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FIFA reports high demand for World Cup tickets outside North America, with requests from Europe, South America, and others. Prices reach up to $8,680 per ticket, prompting criticism. FIFA plans to distribute some $60 tickets via national federations, with notifications due after Feb 5.
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The FAA issued Notices to Airmen warning of potential risks for aircraft at all altitudes in regions including the Pacific, Caribbean, and Latin America. The alerts follow nearly four months of US military strikes targeting drug traffickers and Venezuela's government, with tensions rising in the region.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro decreed a reduction in Congress members' wages, removing a special relocation bonus. Wages will drop from about $13,000 to $9,400 monthly, highlighting ongoing debates over income disparity and government austerity measures ahead of upcoming elections.
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Five individuals—four Ukrainians and one Russian—face charges for a sabotage campaign involving parcel detonations across Europe in 2024. Prosecutors allege they acted on behalf of Russian intelligence, with plans to target logistics and aviation infrastructure in Britain, Poland, and beyond. Russia has denied involvement.
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Recent clashes in Colombia's Guaviare and Catatumbo regions highlight ongoing conflict involving dissident FARC factions, ELN hostages, and regional power struggles. President Petro threatens military action against ELN amid tensions with Venezuela, amid a backdrop of decades-long violence and drug trafficking.
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Colombia's special tribunal has found Mancuso responsible for 117 crimes committed by his fighters. Repatriated in 2024 after US imprisonment, he may reduce his sentence to eight years if he collaborates on truth and reparation efforts. Colombia is engaging in peace talks with armed groups.
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Ecuador and Colombia have imposed reciprocal tariffs amid rising tensions over security and drug trafficking. Ecuador announced a 30% tariff on Colombian goods and increased pipeline fees, while Colombia responded with tariffs and energy restrictions. The dispute is linked to security concerns, drug trafficking, and economic disagreements.
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On January 29, 2026, Venezuela's National Assembly passed a bill reforming the oil sector to allow private and foreign companies operational control, reversing decades of state monopoly. The Trump administration eased sanctions on Venezuelan oil, signaling increased US involvement following the January 3 US military capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez supports the reforms amid ongoing political tensions and US pressure.
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On January 22, 2026, Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, was arrested in Mexico City after over a decade on the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted list. He faces 17 felony charges including drug trafficking, murder, and witness tampering linked to a transnational cocaine ring operating between Colombia, Mexico, the US, and Canada. Wedding was flown to California and held without bond.
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On January 28, 2026, a Satena-operated Beechcraft 1900 turboprop crashed shortly after takeoff from Cúcuta, Colombia, killing all 15 onboard, including congress member Diogenes Quintero and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo. The crash occurred in the conflict-ridden Catatumbo region near the Venezuelan border. The cause remains under investigation, with adverse weather suspected.
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Former US President Donald Trump met with Honduran President Asfura at Mar-a-Lago, emphasizing security cooperation against cartels and migration. The meeting follows recent Honduran elections and Trump's controversial pardon of ex-president Hernandez, highlighting ongoing US-Honduras relations amid regional security concerns.
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The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights faces severe funding cuts after Western donors, including the US, reduced contributions in 2025. This has led to fewer monitoring missions, job cuts, and diminished capacity to address global human rights violations amid mounting crises.
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Valentine's Day flowers in the US are arriving via Miami from Colombia and Ecuador, with prices rising due to tariffs and wages. Many consumers are encouraged to choose local Australian blooms to reduce environmental impact, amid increased import costs and environmental concerns.
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Recent mining accidents in Colombia and India have resulted in dozens of deaths. In Colombia, a methane explosion at an illegal coal mine in Guacheta killed at least four, with authorities investigating the cause. In India, illegal rat-hole mines in Meghalaya caused a blast, killing 18 and injuring others, prompting a government inquiry.
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The US Southern Command conducted three military strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11 individuals suspected of drug trafficking. The campaign, initiated in September 2025, has resulted in at least 144 deaths amid widespread legal and human rights criticism over its legality and transparency.
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Colombia's government and the Gulf Clan have announced the resumption of peace negotiations after a temporary suspension. The talks, mediated by multiple countries and the Catholic Church, focus on reducing violence and addressing drug trafficking, amid ongoing conflicts with armed groups and political pressures.
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Colombia's search unit confirmed the remains of Father Camilo Torres, a priest and rebel who disappeared in 1966, after forensic analysis. His remains were handed over to activists on the 60th anniversary of his death, marking a significant step in addressing past disappearances linked to conflict and armed groups.
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Colombia's security operations target criminal groups amid ongoing violence, while Ecuador increases tariffs on Colombian imports over border security and drug trafficking concerns. The dispute has led to trade disruptions and heightened diplomatic tensions, with both sides accusing each other of insufficient cooperation. The situation remains tense as regional stability is at risk.
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The trial of four men accused of conspiring to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moïse has started in Miami, nearly three years after his killing. The case involves foreign mercenaries, South Florida planning, and ongoing political instability in Haiti, with defendants facing possible life sentences.
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The UN Security Council convened on Saturday amid escalating tensions after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting Iran's retaliation and regional instability. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations, while Iran accused the US and Israel of illegal aggression. European nations urged diplomacy to prevent wider conflict.
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Colombia's legislative elections and presidential primaries are taking place amid security concerns and political fragmentation. Meanwhile, Mexico's Congress faces a vote on proposed reforms, with recent defections highlighting tensions within Morena. Both countries' votes will shape their political futures and coalition-building efforts.
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Ecuador has announced a large-scale military operation targeting organized crime, including drug trafficking and illegal mining, in three provinces. A curfew from March 15-30 is in effect to facilitate troop movements and reduce civilian casualties, with support from U.S. forces. The operation marks a significant escalation in the country's fight against crime.
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Colombia and Venezuela postponed a high-level meeting amid tensions, citing 'force majeure.' The leaders discussed border security, energy cooperation, and trade, with recent US support for Venezuela's government amid complex regional relations. The meeting's delay highlights ongoing diplomatic uncertainties.
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Ecuador has intensified its crackdown on organized crime, deploying military force and imposing curfews in key provinces. Over 250 arrests have been made amid ongoing battles between drug cartels and government efforts to restore security, with joint US support. The operations mark a significant escalation in Ecuador's fight against violence.
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Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico collaborated to arrest notorious assassin Angel Aguilar, linked to political and criminal violence. The operation highlights regional efforts against transnational crime amid tensions with the US over security policies. Aguilar faces extradition and serious charges, including involvement in a presidential candidate’s assassination.
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US prosecutors are investigating Colombian President Gustavo Petro over allegations of soliciting drug traffickers for campaign donations and possible meetings with traffickers. Petro denies the claims, which emerge ahead of Colombia's May presidential election. The investigations are in early stages, with no charges filed yet.
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A Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo, resulting in at least one death and dozens injured. The aircraft was transporting troops, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The incident occurred near an urban area in the Amazon region.
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A Hercules C-130 plane crashed in Puerto Leguizamo, Colombia, killing 66 military personnel and injuring dozens. The aircraft was transporting troops within Putumayo. Investigations are ongoing, with officials ruling out rebel attack. President Petro highlights military modernization efforts amid the tragedy.