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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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President Petro condemns US military strikes on vessels in Caribbean, calling them illegal and a violation of sovereignty. Trump threatens aid cuts and tariffs, accusing Petro of drug trafficking. The US has increased military actions, killing dozens, while Colombia recalls its ambassador and vows to seek international support.
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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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The US has increased military presence in the Caribbean, deploying the USS Gerald Ford and other warships to Trinidad and Tobago for training exercises amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela. The move follows recent strikes on alleged drug traffickers and regional diplomatic protests.
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Since September, the US has conducted at least 18 strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing over 60 people. The operations, authorized by President Trump, aim to target narcotics but face legal and international criticism for potential extrajudicial killings.
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The US has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford and five destroyers to Latin America amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. The move follows recent military strikes targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking, raising fears of a broader conflict and accusations from Caracas of US efforts to overthrow Maduro.
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On October 24-25, 2025, the US Treasury sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, accusing them of enabling drug trafficking. The move escalates tensions between Petro and US President Donald Trump, who has cut aid and threatened tariffs. Petro denies the allegations, pledging to continue fighting drug trafficking amid US military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific.
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The US has deployed the USS Gravely and is moving the USS Gerald R Ford closer to Venezuela amid rising tensions. The US claims to target drug trafficking boats linked to Maduro, who denies these allegations. Regional reactions are mixed, with concerns over increased military presence and regional stability.
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Recent polls show Latin Americans largely ignore Maduro's calls for regional solidarity, with many viewing US military intervention as the best way to restore Venezuela's democracy. This marks a shift from 2018, when regional governments coordinated a response to the refugee crisis.
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The US has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and additional military assets to the Caribbean amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. The US claims the deployment aims to combat drug trafficking, but Venezuela and regional allies see it as a threat to sovereignty. Diplomatic and military tensions are rising.
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As of November 17, 2025, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani confirmed outreach to the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump. Despite months of mutual criticism, including Trump's threats to cut federal funding and question Mamdani's citizenship, both leaders express willingness to discuss city issues like affordability. Mamdani remains committed to opposing policies harming New Yorkers while seeking cooperation where possible.
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The U.S. Senate narrowly voted 51-49 against a resolution that would have required congressional approval for military actions in Venezuela. The vote comes amid ongoing U.S. military buildup and strikes targeting alleged drug vessels off Venezuela's coast, raising concerns over executive overreach and legal justification.
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Recent US military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in Venezuela's Paria Peninsula have resulted in the deaths of nine men. Residents dispute US claims, stating the victims were local laborers and criminals, not terrorists. The Venezuelan government remains silent, heightening fears and complicating mourning efforts.
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The US has conducted at least 19 military strikes against vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, claiming they are drug trafficking narco-terrorists. The campaign, justified by the US as a conflict with drug cartels, faces widespread legal and regional opposition, with critics calling the strikes illegal extrajudicial killings.
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The USS Gerald R. Ford and other warships arrived in Latin America as part of a US military build-up, claiming to target drug trafficking but seen by many as a pressure tactic against Venezuela's Maduro. Since September, US strikes have killed at least 80 people in suspected drug operations.
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British officials have publicly reaffirmed ongoing intelligence sharing with the US amid reports of halted cooperation over US military actions in Venezuela. UK ministers avoid endorsing US military strikes, emphasizing adherence to international law. British personnel remain onboard US warships in the Caribbean, with no plans to participate in attacks.
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President Trump has indicated he has not ruled out deploying US forces to Venezuela amid ongoing tensions. He expressed willingness to speak with Maduro and highlighted the US's focus on drug trafficking and resource-rich Venezuela. The US has increased military presence in the region, raising concerns of escalation.
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The US has officially designated the so-called Cartel de los Soles, linked to Venezuela's military and accused of drug trafficking, as a foreign terrorist organization. The move escalates US pressure on Maduro amid military buildups and potential talks, though Venezuela denies the allegations. The designation could enable further sanctions and military options.
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The US has issued a warning about risks to civil aircraft over Venezuela amid increased military activity and interference with navigation systems. This follows a significant US military deployment, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, and reports of potential plans for military action against Nicolás Maduro's government.
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As of early December 2025, the US has intensified military pressure on Venezuela, conducting over 20 strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels, killing at least 83 people. President Trump announced plans to extend operations from sea to land while maintaining openness to dialogue with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The US military buildup in the Caribbean includes an aircraft carrier group and thousands of troops amid accusations of regime change motives.
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Venezuela has revoked permits for six international airlines, accusing them of joining US-led actions of 'state terrorism' after they suspended flights due to security concerns. The US warned of hazardous airspace amid increased military activity, prompting cancellations. Tensions between the US and Venezuela have escalated, with US military deployments and accusations of drug trafficking.
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Gen. Dan Caine visited Puerto Rico and a Navy ship amid US military buildup in the Caribbean. The US is increasing pressure on Venezuela through naval operations, designations of criminal groups as terrorists, and potential military options, as Trump considers further actions against Maduro.
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Since early September, the US has conducted at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing over 87 people. Admiral Holsey, who led the Southern Command, retired early amid tensions over the strikes and US plans for possible land operations. The US also designated the Venezuelan 'Cartel de los Soles' as a terrorist organization, though Venezuela denies the allegations.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro delivered a speech in Caracas, brandishing a sword and warning of 'imperialist threats' as the US conducts military operations against vessels suspected of drug trafficking. The US has killed at least 80 people in recent strikes, which Maduro and allies condemn as violations of sovereignty.
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On December 2, 2025, former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was released from a US prison after receiving a full pardon from former US President Donald Trump. Hernández was convicted in 2024 of drug trafficking and sentenced to 45 years. Trump justified the pardon citing claims of political bias and support from Hondurans. The move coincides with Honduras's tight presidential election, where Trump backs candidate Nasry Asfura.
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On November 30, 2025, President Donald Trump declared the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela closed, escalating tensions with Nicolás Maduro's government. The U.S. cites drug trafficking concerns amid a military buildup in the Caribbean. Venezuela condemned the move as illegal aggression. Airlines suspended flights following FAA warnings, and Venezuela revoked their operating rights. Trump hinted at imminent land operations against drug traffickers.
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Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube released their annual listening and content lists, revealing popular artists and trends. The New York Times highlights the cultural significance of these catalogs, questioning their role in decision-making and cultural validation amid a busy year of media and entertainment highlights.
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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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The U.S. has intensified efforts against Venezuela, including a call with Maduro offering safe passage if he leaves power, amid ongoing sanctions, military threats, and accusations of drug trafficking. Maduro denies all charges, claiming U.S. regime change motives.
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President Trump unveiled a new national security strategy endorsing a quick peace in Ukraine, favoring non-intervention in European security, and adopting a conciliatory stance toward Russia. Meanwhile, Congress reaffirmed support for Ukraine and NATO, restricting troop reductions in Europe. The strategy signals a shift in US foreign policy priorities.
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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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Recent revelations show that social media platform X has made user geolocations public, exposing foreign accounts pretending to be American. This raises concerns about foreign interference, misinformation, and the integrity of online political debates, with accounts from Pakistan, Nigeria, and Cambodia posing as Americans to sway opinions.
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On December 5, 2025, the US released a 33-page National Security Strategy (NSS) outlining a major shift in foreign policy. It prioritizes American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, military strength in the Indo-Pacific, and adopts a critical stance on Europe’s future, warning of "civilizational erasure" due to migration and political trends. The strategy downplays ideological promotion abroad, focusing on pragmatic trade and alliances, and signals a distancing from traditional European partnerships.
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On December 11, 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado arrived in Oslo after over a year in hiding, defying a travel ban. Machado, barred from last year's presidential election, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October for her peaceful challenge to Nicolás Maduro's regime. Her daughter accepted the prize on her behalf in Oslo. Machado supports international action against Maduro and plans to return to Venezuela when security allows.
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U.S. Navy F/A-18 jets flew over the Gulf for over 30 minutes in a routine training exercise, remaining in international airspace. The move follows increased U.S. military activity in the region amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela and recent strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats. The jets' proximity to Venezuela's coast has raised regional concerns.
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Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, in hiding since January, arrived in Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democracy. She was detained last year after protests and remains a symbol of resistance against Maduro's government. She plans to return to Venezuela soon.
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On December 10, 2025, the US Coast Guard, supported by the Navy, seized the largest oil tanker ever captured off Venezuela's coast in international waters. This operation is part of the Trump administration's intensified campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accused of narcoterrorism. The US has increased military presence in the region and conducted multiple strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels.
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The ELN rebel group announced an armed strike from Sunday to Wednesday, involving civilian confinement and restricted activities, citing regional 'counterinsurgency' and 'imperialist' threats. President Petro responded by ordering security forces to attack the ELN, amid heightened US military activity in the region.
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The US has intercepted and seized a large oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, marking a rare military action in international waters. The vessel, linked to sanctions and illicit oil trade, was boarded by US forces amid ongoing regional tensions. The move escalates US efforts against Venezuela's oil exports.
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Venezuelan opposition figure María Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, appeared in Oslo after escaping her country's travel ban. She was recognized for challenging President Maduro's regime and called for continued fight for democracy amid ongoing repression in Venezuela.
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Vladimir Putin reaffirmed support for Venezuela's Maduro during a call, amid US military actions including seizing a Venezuelan oil tanker. Russia and Venezuela emphasize their strategic partnership, opposing US pressure and military presence in the region. The US accuses Maduro of narcoterrorism, while Russia pledges continued backing.
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The US has seized the Venezuelan supertanker Skipper off its coast, marking the first interdiction of Venezuelan oil since sanctions began in 2019. The move targets a shadow fleet transporting sanctioned oil to China and Iran, amid increased US military presence and sanctions efforts against Maduro's regime. Venezuelan officials condemn the action as piracy.
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The US has expanded sanctions on Venezuela, targeting Maduro's family, shipping companies, and oil tankers, amid ongoing efforts to pressure Maduro's regime. The measures follow recent US seizures of oil vessels and threats of land strikes, intensifying economic and diplomatic pressure on Caracas.