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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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The Vatican canonized seven individuals, including a former Satanic priest turned Catholic saint, a Venezuelan doctor of the poor, and a Papua New Guinea martyr. The ceremony, attended by thousands, highlights themes of faith, charity, and perseverance amid global tensions and crises. The event marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church and Venezuelan national identity.
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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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Recent reports suggest the US and Venezuela are close to a historic first contact, with indications that a phone call between President Trump and Maduro has already occurred. The US continues military and covert operations amid ongoing tensions and threats of escalation.
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On October 24, 2025, Donald Trump announced at the White House that he has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to notify Congress of plans to escalate military actions against drug cartels, including potential land strikes. The move signals a significant escalation in US efforts to combat drug trafficking, amid rising tensions with Venezuela and its leader Nicolas Maduro.
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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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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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Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for an investigation into US military strikes on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, citing violations of international law. The strikes, justified by the US as anti-drug efforts, have resulted in at least 61 deaths since September, sparking global concern.
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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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The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 begins in Qatar with 16 teams competing across six venues, including Lusail Stadium. Algeria defends their title, while Iraq and Tunisia aim for World Cup qualification. The tournament runs until December 18, with regional stars and qualifiers shaping the region's football landscape.
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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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EU leaders are discussing Ukraine's accession amid ongoing vetoes, notably Hungary's opposition. While Ukraine has made reforms, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is blocking formal negotiations, citing concerns over sovereignty and economic impacts. The EU is exploring 'frontloading' reforms to bypass veto delays, with Ukraine aiming for 2028 accession.
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Spanish police arrested 13 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua across five cities, targeting its expansion into Spain. The gang, designated as a terrorist organization by the US, is linked to drugs, human trafficking, and extortion. Operations included seizing drugs and dismantling laboratories.
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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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As of November 9, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov faces speculation about his standing after the U.S. canceled a planned summit with Russia following a tense call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lavrov was absent from key Kremlin meetings and replaced at the upcoming G20 summit, though Kremlin officials deny he has been sidelined. Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly enhancing Venezuela's air defenses amid rising U.S. tensions in the Caribbean.
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Iran dismisses US and Israeli accusations of plotting to assassinate Israel's ambassador in Mexico, calling it a 'big lie.' US officials allege the plot was initiated by Iran's Quds Force in late 2024 and disrupted this year, involving operatives from Iran's embassy in Venezuela. Mexico and Iran deny involvement amid heightened tensions.
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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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Recent data shows a 17% drop in first-time international students entering US colleges this fall, the sharpest decline since COVID-19. Overall enrollment fell slightly, but many universities face revenue shortfalls. Visa processing delays and restrictive policies are key factors, raising concerns about future international education trends.
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The US announced Operation Southern Spear, a military effort targeting narco-terrorists in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The move follows increased US naval presence and potential land strikes in Venezuela, amid regional tensions and concerns over drug trafficking and regime change efforts. Details remain limited.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress, citing her desire to avoid a Trump-backed primary and potential impeachment battles. The move follows her feud with Trump and reflects ongoing political shifts within the Republican Party ahead of next year's elections.
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Camilo Castro, a Colombian resident, was released after being detained in Venezuela since June. French diplomacy, credited by officials, facilitated his return to France amid concerns over enforced disappearances by Venezuelan authorities following disputed elections.
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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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As of early December 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused green card, citizenship, and asylum applications from nationals of 19 countries previously designated as high-risk under a 2025 travel ban. This follows a November attack in Washington by an Afghan national granted asylum. USCIS will conduct comprehensive reviews and interviews for immigrants from these countries who entered since January 2021, with no set date to lift the pause.
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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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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, US President Donald Trump declared the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela closed, escalating tensions with Nicolás Maduro's government. This follows months of US military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels and a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean. Venezuela condemned the move as an illegal aggression amid fears of a possible US military operation.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon on Sunday for a three-day visit aimed at promoting peace and unity amid ongoing regional conflicts and Lebanon's internal crises. He met with political and religious leaders, called for reconciliation, and emphasized the importance of dialogue, especially regarding the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict and regional stability.
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The US and Venezuela have exchanged messages amid escalating tensions. The US has deployed military assets and accused Maduro of drug trafficking, while Maduro reports a respectful call with Trump. Both sides hint at potential dialogue, but US pressure and military buildup continue to heighten the crisis.
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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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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is taking heightened security measures amid US military movements and threats. He is changing locations, increasing Cuban security support, and reducing public appearances to avoid potential attacks. Maduro remains publicly defiant, but concerns about his safety are rising.
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A widespread blackout affected western Cuba on December 3, caused by transmission line failure amid ongoing infrastructure issues and storm damage. Power is being restored gradually, but outages persist across the island, impacting water and business sectors. The crisis highlights Cuba's aging energy system and economic struggles.
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, citing potential war crimes and flawed conduct. He highlighted ongoing violations of a fragile ceasefire, praised US aid efforts, and called for a reassessment of strategies amid rising civilian casualties and destruction.
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On December 4, the US military launched a strike against a vessel in international waters, believed to be operated by a terrorist organization and carrying narcotics. Four individuals were killed. The strike is part of ongoing US efforts against drug trafficking and terrorism, amid renewed scrutiny over previous operations.
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President Trump announced plans for potential military strikes inside Venezuela targeting drug trafficking, escalating tensions and raising legal questions. So far, strikes have only been against boats in international waters, with plans to expand on land. The move faces legal and diplomatic challenges amid Venezuela's ongoing economic crisis.
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On December 5, 2025, the Trump administration released its 2025 National Security Strategy, marking a sharp shift toward an 'America First' doctrine. It emphasizes restoring U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, criticizes Europe’s trajectory as facing 'civilizational erasure,' downplays Middle East and Africa priorities, and calls for deterring China over Taiwan with allied military buildup.