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The US has increased military activity near Venezuela, including troop deployments and threats of land strikes, amid ongoing disputes over drug trafficking and regional influence. The Biden administration has not confirmed plans for ground invasion, but recent actions suggest a significant escalation in US efforts to pressure Maduro's government.
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The US has increased military pressure on Venezuela, including threats of airstrikes and regime change efforts, amid ongoing diplomatic talks and military buildup. Maduro claims the call with Trump was respectful, while the US accuses his government of drug trafficking and threats to regional stability. Tensions remain high.
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Venezuelan President Maduro is taking extensive security measures due to US military pressure, including relocating his sleeping locations, increasing Cuban security support, and publicly maintaining a defiant image. The US has escalated its military presence, aiming for regime change, while Maduro seeks outside help to stay in power.
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On December 4-5, 2025, a Pentagon Inspector General report cleared Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of wrongdoing after he used the Signal app on his personal device to share sensitive information about planned strikes on Yemen's Houthi militants. While Hegseth had authority to declassify the material, the report found his actions violated Pentagon policy and risked operational security. The case is considered closed amid bipartisan scrutiny.
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Christopher Harborne, a Thai-based investor, donated £9m to Reform UK in August, marking the largest ever single donation from a living person to a UK political party. His wealth stems from cryptocurrency, aviation, and defense sectors, raising questions about influence and transparency in UK politics.
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The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions demanding unedited videos of US military strikes and increased accountability, amid scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's handling of strikes off Venezuela. The bill also addresses troop levels, Ukraine aid, and social policies, reflecting bipartisan concerns over transparency and military commitments.
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The Pentagon refuses to release a full, unedited video of a controversial September strike in which 11 people were killed, citing national security. Congress and critics demand transparency amid ongoing debates over legality and morality of the attack, which targeted alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific.
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The Pentagon escalated its review of Senator Mark Kelly to a formal investigation over allegations of misconduct after he publicly urged troops to refuse unlawful orders. The move follows Kelly's video message supporting soldiers' right to disobey illegal commands, prompting political and legal controversy amid ongoing military and domestic deployments.
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The UK Ministry of Defence will pilot a paid, two-year scheme for under-25s starting March 2026, aiming to introduce young people to military life and skills. The program will expand to over 1,000 annually, with no obligation to serve afterward, amid rising regional security concerns.
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The US announced a significant arms package for Taiwan, including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, and drones, amid rising tensions with China. The deal, pending congressional approval, aims to bolster Taiwan's defenses against potential Chinese aggression, with Beijing condemning the move as destabilizing.
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President Trump revealed plans for a new 'Golden Fleet' of battleships, claiming they will be 100 times more powerful than any before, armed with advanced technology like lasers and railguns. The ships aim to counter China and modernize the Navy, with construction beginning early 2030s.
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The US has intercepted multiple Venezuelan oil tankers amid a broader military build-up and a declared total blockade of sanctioned oil vessels. These actions have paralyzed Venezuela's oil exports, with vessels staying in waters to avoid seizure. The move escalates US pressure on Maduro and impacts global oil markets.
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Recent intelligence suggests Russia is developing a 'zone-effect' weapon aimed at flooding Starlink orbits with high-density pellets to disable satellites. Experts doubt its feasibility due to risks of uncontrollable space debris and collateral damage, which could deter deployment. The system remains in active development with no confirmed testing.
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The Biden administration has paused leases for five offshore wind projects under construction along the East Coast, citing national security concerns related to radar interference. The move affects $25 billion in investments and thousands of jobs, prompting legal challenges from developers and political criticism from opponents.
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The US is making progress in developing domestic rare-earth processing, but China maintains a dominant position in the supply chain. Recent efforts aim to diversify sources and reduce reliance, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and strategic vulnerabilities in critical industries.
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On December 23, 2025, President Trump announced the Trump-class battleships, a new class of heavily armed, large surface combatants designed to restore US naval dominance. The USS Defiant, the first ship, will be 30,000-40,000 tons, equipped with hypersonic missiles, lasers, and nuclear cruise missiles. The plan includes building up to 25 ships, aiming to counter global threats and revitalize US shipbuilding amid growing Chinese naval power.
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Brian Cole Jr. pleaded guilty to placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021, just hours before the Capitol riot. The bombs did not detonate. He faces up to 30 years in prison. The case highlights ongoing threats linked to political tensions.
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The National Guard has been deployed in New Orleans, confined to the French Quarter, following a recent vehicle-ramming attack and ongoing crime concerns. The deployment aims to support local law enforcement during Mardi Gras, with over 800 officers involved. The move follows similar missions in other cities this year, despite declining crime rates.
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Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has filed a lawsuit to block military actions aimed at reducing his rank and pension after he and other lawmakers urged troops to refuse illegal orders. The Pentagon considers Kelly's statements seditious, prompting legal and political debates over free speech and military discipline.
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Amid rising global tensions and climate change, Greenland's strategic importance is increasing. The US seeks control over the mineral-rich island, but Greenland and Denmark oppose US overtures. The region's security and resource potential are fueling international competition, with Russia, China, and Western powers all active in the Arctic.
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Lockheed Martin has reached a framework agreement with the US Department of Defense to significantly increase production of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors over seven years. The move aims to meet rising global demand amid heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts, including Ukraine and the Middle East. The deal, pending Congressional approval, will boost annual production from 600 to 2,000 missiles, supporting US and allied defense systems.
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On January 27, 2026, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the East Sea, marking its second missile test this month amid rising tensions with South Korea. The launches followed accusations by Pyongyang of South Korean civilian drone incursions, which Seoul denies. South Korea and Japan have increased defense cooperation, while the U.S. urges Seoul to take a leading role in regional security.
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Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok, integrated into X, has been embroiled in controversies over generating inappropriate images and offensive content. The US Department of Defense plans to deploy Grok across military networks, amid concerns over its behavior and ethical implications. The story highlights tensions between AI innovation and regulation as global scrutiny intensifies.
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Recent reports reveal a US surveillance plane used in a September strike in Venezuela was disguised as a civilian aircraft, carrying munitions internally. This raises legal questions about adherence to laws of war, amid US operations targeting drug smuggling and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
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On January 14, 2026, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Washington Post journalist Hannah Natanson’s Virginia home, seizing her phone, two laptops, and a Garmin watch. The raid is linked to an investigation into Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a government contractor charged with unlawfully retaining classified defense information. Natanson is not a target but reported on leaked classified material.
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As of January 22, 2026, the U.S. Army has placed military police units from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and infantry battalions from the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska on prepare-to-deploy orders amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal immigration officer. President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act but has not yet deployed troops. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz opposes further federal troop deployment and has mobilized the National Guard to support local law enforcement.
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The US has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and additional forces to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran and ongoing protests in Iran. The deployment includes the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Indian Ocean, with warnings from Iran of a potential all-out war response. Discussions with Israel focus on Hamas and Iran, while Iran warns of a harsh response to any attack.
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The Pentagon's new 2026 Defense Strategy emphasizes US homeland security and the Indo-Pacific, reducing commitments in Europe and Russia. It advocates for allies to take more responsibility for their defense, reflecting a broader shift towards prioritizing US interests and a softer stance on China and Russia.
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The Pentagon has published its first comprehensive strategy since 2022, emphasizing a shift towards burden-sharing with allies, focusing on deterring Russia and China, and asserting U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere. The strategy criticizes allies for reliance on past U.S. support and calls for a more assertive approach.
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On February 2, 2026, the US government announced Project Vault, a $12 billion strategic stockpile of critical minerals funded by a $10 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank and $1.67 billion in private capital. The initiative aims to reduce US dependence on China’s dominance in rare earth minerals, securing vital materials for manufacturing vehicles, electronics, and defense technologies. Over 55 countries are collaborating to diversify supply chains, while Japan pursues deep-sea mining innovations.
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Families of two Trinidadian men killed in US missile strikes in the Caribbean are suing the US government for wrongful death. The lawsuit challenges the legality of the strikes, which have killed over 100 people since September, claiming they lacked legal justification and violated international law.
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Amid escalating tensions, the US is weighing military options against Iran, including potential strikes on nuclear and leadership sites. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with regional powers attempting to de-escalate. A decision from Trump is expected soon, as Iran warns of severe retaliation.
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On February 3, 2026, a US F-35C fighter jet shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that aggressively approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. Hours later, Iranian forces harassed a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. These incidents occurred amid preparations for nuclear talks between the US and Iran, scheduled for Friday in Oman.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with US President Trump in Washington amid rising regional tensions. They focused on Iran's nuclear program, missile capabilities, and regional support for proxies. The meeting occurred as US-Iran talks in Oman continue, with both sides signaling cautious engagement.
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The US has intensified efforts to seize Venezuelan oil tankers following the January raid that ousted Maduro. Recent operations include a maritime interdiction of the Panamanian-flagged tanker Aquila II, which was operating in defiance of US sanctions. The US military has also conducted strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking, resulting in fatalities. These actions aim to control Venezuela's oil exports and pressure Cuba economically.
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On February 11, 2026, the FAA abruptly closed airspace around El Paso International Airport for 10 days citing "special security reasons," grounding all flights within a 10-nautical-mile radius. Less than 10 hours later, the FAA lifted the restrictions, stating no threat to commercial aviation. The closure was linked to counter-drone operations against Mexican cartel drones near the border.
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The House rejected the bipartisan ROTOR Act, which aimed to improve aircraft collision prevention through mandatory GPS-based systems. The bill, supported by the Senate and families of crash victims, was blocked by concerns over costs, military security, and Pentagon opposition. The debate highlights systemic safety gaps in U.S. aviation.
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In February 2026, the FAA unexpectedly closed airspace over El Paso for 10 days, citing security concerns linked to drone activity. The closure was triggered by a military laser operation targeting what was believed to be a cartel drone, but was later identified as a party balloon. The incident caused widespread disruption and confusion.
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The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Harvard, demanding five years of admissions data to investigate potential race-based discrimination following a Supreme Court ruling. The case highlights ongoing tensions over affirmative action and federal oversight of university policies.
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The US is escalating military preparations amid renewed diplomacy with Iran. Officials reveal plans for sustained operations, raising fears of regional conflict. Talks in Oman aim to revive nuclear negotiations, but US military buildup signals potential for escalation. The situation remains highly tense and uncertain.
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Iran's Revolutionary Guard conducted military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, closing the waterway temporarily amid rising US-Iran tensions. Iran's leader warned of the dangers of US warships, while the US amasses forces nearby. Diplomatic talks are ongoing, but prospects remain uncertain.
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Recent use of military-grade laser technology by U.S. border officials near El Paso caused FAA airspace shutdowns and raised safety questions. The incidents highlight inter-agency coordination issues amid escalating drone threats and military technology deployment without full oversight.