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In early September 2025, the US military conducted a lethal strike on a Venezuelan drug-smuggling boat in international waters, killing 11 people linked to the Tren de Aragua cartel. This marked a significant escalation in US anti-drug operations, accompanied by deployment of warships and F-35 jets to the Caribbean. Venezuela's President Maduro condemned the actions, mobilizing forces amid fears of potential conflict.
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Recent clashes in Ecuador's prisons, especially in Machala and Esmeraldas, have resulted in multiple inmate deaths, injuries, and escapes. The violence is linked to gang conflicts tied to drug trafficking, with authorities struggling to regain control amid a history of deadly riots and organized crime influence.
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Protests in Ecuador over fuel subsidy cuts have continued for over two weeks, with clashes resulting in injuries and a protester death. The government declared a state of emergency, and violence has increased, including attacks on President Noboa's motorcade. International calls for dialogue have been made.
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Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa was unharmed after his motorcade was targeted by protesters in central Ecuador amid violent demonstrations over fuel subsidies. Five people were detained, and authorities are investigating whether gunfire was involved. The unrest is linked to economic reforms and rising violence.
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Two recent bus crashes in South America have resulted in at least 48 deaths and dozens of injuries. In Ecuador, a bus fell 150 meters, killing 12. In Peru, a bus collided with a truck, falling over 200 meters and killing 36 on impact. Reckless driving and road conditions are key factors.
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Ecuador's ongoing protests against fuel subsidy removal have led to violence, with one protester killed and hundreds detained. President Noboa has declared a state of emergency, deploying thousands of troops amid clashes with Indigenous groups demanding the subsidy be restored. The protests are centered in northern provinces and Quito.
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England became the first European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with other teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania also securing spots. Forty-three teams will qualify through continental tournaments, with two more in intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March. The three host nations qualify automatically.
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Since early September, the US has conducted at least six military strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, killing 27 people. The operations, justified as part of a legal armed conflict with drug cartels, have heightened regional tensions and raised legal questions. The Biden administration claims these actions are lawful, but critics argue they violate international law and lack sufficient evidence.
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Ecuador is experiencing increased violence, including bridge bombings, car bombs, and protests linked to criminal groups and government crackdowns. Indigenous protests and criminal attacks are escalating amid security operations and political tensions, with ongoing investigations and military responses. The situation remains volatile as authorities seek stability.
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Recent assessments reveal that nearly half of Europe's wild bee species are threatened, with habitat loss and climate change driving declines. Meanwhile, conservation efforts in North America focus on restoring habitats for the zebra swallowtail butterfly and pawpaw trees, highlighting the global decline of pollinators and the importance of habitat preservation.
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The US military targeted a suspected drug-carrying submarine off Venezuela, claiming it was built for transporting narcotics. Survivors were reported, raising questions about the legality of the strikes amid regional tensions and accusations from Venezuela. The operation is part of a broader US campaign against drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
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The US has increased military strikes against vessels linked to drug trafficking, expanding operations into the eastern Pacific. Since September, at least 57 people have been killed in these targeted attacks, which are part of a broader campaign against narco-terrorism linked to Venezuela and the Caribbean. The strikes include night operations and are justified as part of a war on drug cartels.
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Recent fossil studies reveal a close link between extinct Australian carnivorous marsupials and koalas, while conservation efforts in Nigeria and Okinawa show signs of success. Meanwhile, Thailand's artificial reefs are aiding marine ecosystems, and Hong Kong seeks to expand marine protected areas amid biodiversity concerns.
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On November 16, 2025, Ecuadorians voted against allowing foreign military bases, including US bases, with 61% opposing the measure. This referendum defeat is a political setback for President Daniel Noboa, who supports foreign cooperation to combat drug trafficking. Concurrently, Wilmer Chavarria, leader of the Los Lobos cartel, was arrested in Spain after faking his death and coordinating criminal activities from Europe.
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A riot at Ecuador's Machala prison has resulted in 27 deaths, mostly by hanging or asphyxiation, linked to ongoing gang violence. The violence occurred during a planned transfer to a new maximum-security facility, highlighting escalating prison unrest and organized crime influence. The incident follows recent deadly riots across the country’s prisons.
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Indigenous communities and local producers in the Amazon are gaining visibility at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Initiatives include sourcing food from traditional farmers for the summit, highlighting land rights issues, and protesting infrastructure projects that threaten their territories amid ongoing climate negotiations.
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The Biden administration is set to announce exemptions on tariffs for certain food imports, including beef, citrus, coffee, and bananas, aiming to reduce consumer prices amid political pressure and recent election results highlighting affordability concerns. The move signals a shift from previous tariff policies.
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President Trump has retroactively exempted key food imports, including beef, coffee, and bananas, from tariffs imposed earlier this year. The move aims to address rising grocery prices amid political pressure following recent elections where affordability was a key issue. The exemptions reflect a shift in trade policy and negotiations with trading partners.
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The two-week CITES conference in Samarkand is considering stricter controls or bans on trade of species like Galapagos iguanas, Latin American tarantulas, and African turtles. The focus is on curbing illegal online wildlife sales driven by rising demand and social media influence.