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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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As of December 18, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon amid ongoing corruption trials, denying wrongdoing. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has upheld arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes related to the 2023 Gaza conflict. Israel rejects ICC jurisdiction and denies the charges. President Isaac Herzog will review the pardon request with legal counsel.
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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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As of December 21, 2025, US-led peace negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and European allies remain deadlocked over territorial concessions in the Donbas region. Ukraine rejects ceding land to Russia without security guarantees, while Russia demands recognition of its control over occupied territories. US President Trump urges acceptance of a peace plan and threatens increased sanctions if Russia rebuffs diplomacy.
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Amid ongoing debates over affordability, recent articles highlight the disconnect between positive economic indicators and widespread public frustration. Political leaders face pressure to address high living costs, with discussions focusing on tariffs, inflation, and policy impacts on everyday Americans. The story underscores the complex landscape of US economic sentiment in late 2025.
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The Biden administration has introduced new visa policies, including a weighted lottery favoring higher-paid applicants and a $1 million 'Gold Card' for wealthy immigrants. These changes aim to prioritize high-skill, high-wage workers and raise billions, amid ongoing legal challenges and policy debates.
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On December 18, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sanctioned two International Criminal Court (ICC) judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze and Erdenebalsuren Damdin, for upholding arrest warrants against Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. These sanctions bar the judges from entering the US and freeze their assets. The ICC condemned the sanctions as attacks on judicial independence. The US and Israel, both non-members of the ICC, reject its jurisdiction, while the court continues its investigations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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Ukraine reports a series of Russian strikes involving drones and missiles, targeting energy infrastructure and port facilities across multiple regions. Kyiv and Odesa are heavily affected, with casualties and power outages. Diplomatic efforts continue, with US and European talks aiming for a peace deal amid ongoing hostilities.
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The US is actively seeking international support for a multinational force to oversee Gaza's security, with plans for troop contributions from around 70 countries. The effort aims to implement a phased peace plan, including disarmament and governance reforms, amid ongoing tensions and slow progress in the region.
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Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist and founder of Apple Daily, was convicted in Hong Kong on charges linked to national security laws. His health has deteriorated in five years of detention. The US and UK have called for his release, citing political persecution. Lai faces potential life imprisonment.
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The Biden administration has intensified military strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking from South America, citing fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. The move aims to combat drug-related violence, but experts question the legality and regional impact of these actions. The story highlights ongoing US efforts to target Latin American drug cartels and gangs.
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M23 rebels announced they would withdraw from Uvira following U.S. mediation efforts, but residents report the fighters remain in the town. Fighting persists across eastern Congo, with regional accusations and ongoing violence fueling instability. The situation remains tense as international actors seek to de-escalate the conflict.
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Since the Gaza ceasefire began in October 2025, violations by Israel continue, threatening the fragile peace. Mediation efforts by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey focus on advancing the second phase, including Israeli withdrawal and deployment of an international stabilization force. Humanitarian conditions worsen amid ongoing violence and storms.
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Cristian Gutierrez-Ochoa, linked to cartel boss El Mencho, was sentenced in the US to nearly 12 years for conspiracy to launder drug money. He staged his death to escape Mexico after a kidnapping attempt, living in California with a lavish lifestyle funded by cartel money. The case highlights CJNG's reach in the US.
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As of late December 2025, the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, brokered by President Trump, remains stalled amid disputes over Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, and the deployment of an international stabilization force. Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to meet Trump to discuss troop contributions despite domestic opposition. Gaza endures ongoing ceasefire violations and humanitarian challenges.
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Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand has intensified, with recent air strikes and artillery causing civilian casualties and displacements. Both sides blame each other amid ongoing diplomatic efforts led by ASEAN, US, and China to restore peace. The conflict stems from longstanding border disputes and territorial claims.
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Recent diplomatic tensions between the US and South Africa have escalated following South Africa's arrest of Kenyan nationals working illegally at US refugee centers. The US condemns the actions and alleges harassment, amid broader disputes over South Africa's policies and US refugee priorities. The situation highlights ongoing diplomatic strains.
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Fighting in Uvira, eastern DRC, has intensified as M23 rebels seized control of the city, prompting regional and international concern. Despite claims of withdrawal, the group remains present, complicating peace negotiations. Thousands of civilians are displaced, and regional tensions are rising, with the UN and US calling for compliance with peace agreements.
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Fighting has resumed along their border, with at least 22 deaths in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia. The conflict, rooted in a colonial-era border dispute and temple site, has displaced over 1 million civilians. Despite international efforts, clashes continue with no ceasefire in sight, as both sides blame each other for instigating hostilities.
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Recent diplomatic discussions involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia are progressing, with ongoing negotiations focusing on security guarantees and territorial issues. Despite some signs of dialogue, Russian demands remain maximalist, and hostilities continue as negotiations face conflicting interests. The US emphasizes pressure on Russia to accept compromises.
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The US has increased military activity near Venezuela, including live-fire drills and the deployment of 15,000 personnel, as part of efforts to pressure Maduro's regime amid ongoing sanctions and regional security concerns. The buildup signals heightened US focus on Venezuela's stability and security threats.
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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 Trump administration has ordered over two dozen career diplomats across multiple regions to return to Washington, marking the largest mass recall of foreign service officers in recent history. The move raises questions about diplomatic staffing and policy priorities amid ongoing government restructuring.
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Fighting continues along the Thailand-Cambodia border after a ceasefire collapsed in early December. ASEAN, U.S., and China are all involved in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, with upcoming meetings aiming to restore peace. The conflict has resulted in casualties and displacement.
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Fighting in eastern DRC continues as M23 rebels claim to withdraw from Uvira following international pressure. Despite the withdrawal, reports indicate ongoing clashes, with the UN warning of regional destabilization. The conflict has displaced over 200,000 refugees into Burundi and threatens regional stability.
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Israeli attacks in Gaza continue despite a ceasefire, causing casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions. Heavy winter storms and restrictions on aid have led to deaths, injuries, and displacement. International calls for aid access and restraint grow louder as the conflict persists.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy suggested trilateral talks with the US and Russia, but both Moscow and Kyiv expressed skepticism. Russian officials deny negotiations are underway, while US mediators gather in Miami. The last direct talks occurred in July, with little progress toward ending the conflict.
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Since late December 2025, the US has intensified its campaign against Venezuela, seizing oil tankers and threatening military action to pressure President Maduro. The move has drawn international condemnation from Russia and China, amid ongoing tensions over Venezuela's oil reserves and US sanctions.
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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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As 2026 approaches, Israel confronts multiple crises: Netanyahu's legal and political troubles, regional conflicts, and shifting international support. The country faces tough decisions on security, diplomacy, and domestic policy amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, with internal divisions intensifying.
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On January 1, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss a 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year war with Russia. Despite ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and civilian areas, talks focus on security guarantees, territorial disputes, and post-war arrangements.
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Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Katz, have reiterated plans to maintain military presence and establish outposts in Gaza, despite a US-backed ceasefire agreement calling for Israeli withdrawal and banning civilian settlements. These statements highlight ongoing tensions over Israel's long-term strategy in Gaza and the West Bank, amid regional and domestic political pressures.
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The US launched a military operation, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, amid ongoing tensions over drug trafficking, natural resources, and US efforts to influence Venezuela's regime. The operation follows months of escalating military and economic pressure.
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On December 23-24, 2025, the US Trump administration imposed visa bans on five Europeans, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and digital hate campaigners, accusing them of coercing American platforms to censor US viewpoints. The move targets opposition to the EU's Digital Services Act and has sparked strong condemnation from European leaders, who see it as intimidation and an attack on digital sovereignty.
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Since the Gaza ceasefire began on October 10, violence continues with daily clashes. Israeli forces report violations, including an IED explosion injuring an IDF officer. Hamas and Israel accuse each other of breaches, complicating peace efforts and worsening Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
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On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met US President Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. Key issues include Hamas disarmament, Gaza's demilitarization, and establishing a Palestinian technocratic government. The talks also covered Iran's nuclear activities and Hezbollah's disarmament in Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions.
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In 2025, Gaza experienced intensified Israeli military actions, including mass killings and displacement. Palestinians faced severe shortages, starvation, and violence, with some hostages released after prolonged captivity. The year marked a significant escalation in the conflict, with international diplomatic efforts ongoing.
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President Trump announced the capture of Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, and suggested the U.S. would run the country, prompting internal GOP debate. Rubio outlined a strategy of sanctions and coercion rather than occupation, while critics warn of potential long-term conflict. The story highlights divisions over foreign policy and Trump's approach.
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Saudi-led coalition targeted Mukalla port in Yemen after ships from the UAE unloaded weapons for the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The attack follows recent clashes and political fallout, with Yemen's government demanding UAE forces leave within 24 hours. The situation signals deepening regional conflict.
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A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plan to end Temporary Protected Status for about 230 South Sudanese nationals, citing risks of harm and ongoing litigation. The decision preserves protections set to expire on January 6, 2026, amid legal challenges and diplomatic concerns.
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Saudi-led coalition attacked Mukalla port in Yemen, claiming weapons for separatists. The UAE announced its forces are withdrawing from Yemen after the strike, amid rising tensions with Saudi Arabia over regional influence and internal conflicts. US officials discussed Yemen's instability with Gulf partners today.
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US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani at Mar-a-Lago on New Year’s Eve. The event followed discussions on the Gaza ceasefire, regional tensions, and Iran, amid ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict breaches and US support for Israel.
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Ukraine has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of military intelligence, as chief of staff amid ongoing war with Russia. The move follows the resignation of long-standing aide Andrii Yermak, and signals a focus on security, defense, and diplomacy at a critical war juncture. Budanov is known for daring operations against Russia.
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On January 3, 2026, the US launched large-scale military strikes on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. President Trump announced Maduro's removal and said the US would oversee Venezuela until a transition. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the strikes and demanded proof of life. The operation marks a major escalation amid accusations of drug trafficking and US sanctions.
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On January 3, 2026, US special forces launched a large-scale military operation in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Maduro was flown to New York to face drug trafficking and weapons charges. President Trump declared the US would run Venezuela until a political transition occurs, signaling potential long-term involvement and interest in Venezuela's oil reserves.
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The US has abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation, charging them with drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Maduro and associates face trial in New York, amid allegations of extensive drug trade involvement and corruption linked to Venezuela's government.
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The US has announced it captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation, with President Trump stating the US will 'run' Venezuela until a 'safe, proper, and judicious transition.' UK officials have expressed uncertainty and called for a peaceful transfer of power, emphasizing the importance of international law.
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President Trump suggested possible US military intervention in Colombia and Venezuela amid ongoing tensions. He claimed Cuba is collapsing due to loss of Venezuelan oil, while Cuba condemns US actions as terrorism. The situation reflects escalating US influence in the region.
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On January 3, 2026, Donald Trump authorized US military strikes against Venezuela, capturing President Maduro and signaling potential ongoing involvement. The move has sparked bipartisan criticism over legality and risk of escalation, while some Republicans support the action as a crackdown on drug trafficking and regime illegitimacy.
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Following a surprise US operation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured, sparking fears of instability. Venezuelans face shortages, power outages, and a tense political landscape, with reports of armed groups and limited control by authorities. The situation remains volatile as the country navigates this unexpected turn.