In a significant indication of easing tensions between Washington and Caracas, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a planned second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, citing the release of political prisoners and increased cooperation on rebuilding the country’s oil and gas sector. The decision follows recent developments that the US president described as constructive gestures by Venezuelan authorities aimed at de-escalation.
Trump said the mov
In a significant indication of easing tensions between Washington and Caracas, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a planned second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, citing the release of political prisoners and increased cooperation on rebuilding the country’s oil and gas sector. The decision follows recent developments that the US president described as constructive gestures by Venezuelan authorities aimed at de-escalation.
Trump said the mov
Warships from China, Russia and Iran arrived in South African waters on Friday to participate in a week-long multinational naval exercise off the coast of Cape Town, drawing attention amid heightened global tensions and renewed scrutiny of South Africa’s foreign policy positioning. The exercise, titled “Will for Peace 2026,” is being conducted under the framework of the BRICS group of emerging economies and is scheduled to continue until next Friday.
South Africa’s armed forces sa
Warships from China, Russia and Iran arrived in South African waters on Friday to participate in a week-long multinational naval exercise off the coast of Cape Town, drawing attention amid heightened global tensions and renewed scrutiny of South Africa’s foreign policy positioning. The exercise, titled “Will for Peace 2026,” is being conducted under the framework of the BRICS group of emerging economies and is scheduled to continue until next Friday.
South Africa’s armed forces sa
Iran remained largely cut off from the global internet on Friday as authorities enforced a nationwide digital blackout while protests continued to spread across the country, intensifying an already volatile political and economic crisis. Internet monitoring data showed that connectivity across Iran had dropped to almost zero for more than 12 hours, severely limiting access to online communication platforms as demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide.
According to internet trackin
Iran remained largely cut off from the global internet on Friday as authorities enforced a nationwide digital blackout while protests continued to spread across the country, intensifying an already volatile political and economic crisis. Internet monitoring data showed that connectivity across Iran had dropped to almost zero for more than 12 hours, severely limiting access to online communication platforms as demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide.
According to internet trackin
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has accused the United States of using allegations related to drug trafficking, democracy, and human rights as a pretext to pursue control over the country’s vast oil resources. Speaking before the Venezuelan Parliament, Rodríguez said that external pressure on the country has long been driven by energy interests rather than genuine political or humanitarian concerns, while emphasizing that Caracas remains open to energy cooperation based on
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has accused the United States of using allegations related to drug trafficking, democracy, and human rights as a pretext to pursue control over the country’s vast oil resources. Speaking before the Venezuelan Parliament, Rodríguez said that external pressure on the country has long been driven by energy interests rather than genuine political or humanitarian concerns, while emphasizing that Caracas remains open to energy cooperation based on
The United States intercepted and seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic on January 7, marking a significant escalation in its global enforcement of sanctions linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel, now identified as the Marinera and previously known as Bella 1, was boarded in international waters after a pursuit that extended for more than two weeks across ocean routes from the Caribbean. U.S. European Command confirmed that the operation was conduc
The United States intercepted and seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic on January 7, marking a significant escalation in its global enforcement of sanctions linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel, now identified as the Marinera and previously known as Bella 1, was boarded in international waters after a pursuit that extended for more than two weeks across ocean routes from the Caribbean. U.S. European Command confirmed that the operation was conduc
Chinese intelligence services have penetrated email systems used by staff members working for key committees in the United States House of Representatives, according to officials familiar with the matter, marking one of the most significant congressional cyber intrusions disclosed in recent years. The operation, known internally as Salt Typhoon, is described as part of a long-running cyber-espionage campaign attributed to China’s Ministry of State Security.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation said the breach affected email accounts used by congressional staff supporting the House China Committee, as well as aides associated with the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the Armed Services Committee. The unauthorized access was discovered in December, prompting federal authorities to begin a broader review of congressional digital security practices and potential exposure of sensitive communications.
Officials emphasized that the compromised accounts belonged to staffers rather than elected lawmakers, and it remains unclear whether the personal email accounts of members of Congress were accessed during the intrusion. Nonetheless, the targeting of committees responsible for national security, foreign policy, and intelligence oversight has raised concerns about the scale and intent of the operation. Investigators are continuing to assess what data may have been viewed or extracted and whether the intrusion enabled further access to internal government systems.
Salt Typhoon is believed to be part of a sustained cyber campaign that has targeted US communications infrastructure for several years. According to individuals familiar with the operation, the tools and methods linked to the campaign have allowed Chinese intelligence to exploit vulnerabilities in telecommunications networks, providing access to unencrypted phone calls, text messages, and voicemail traffic across the United States. In certain circumstances, the same infrastructure has reportedly been used to gain entry into email systems.
Security officials have also indicated that communications involving senior US government figures may have been intercepted as part of this broader effort, underscoring the persistent nature of the threat. While the full scope of the intercepted material has not been publicly detailed, authorities view the campaign as a strategic intelligence-gathering effort rather than a short-term or isolated attack.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing US institutions as foreign intelligence agencies increasingly rely on cyber tools to collect information. Lawmakers and security experts have repeatedly warned that congressional offices, which often operate with limited technical resources compared with executive branch agencies, can present attractive targets for sophisticated adversaries seeking insight into policy deliberations and legislative priorities.
Federal agencies responsible for cybersecurity and counterintelligence are coordinating with congressional officials to strengthen defenses, review access controls, and improve monitoring of digital systems. The breach is expected to intensify calls for additional investment in cybersecurity protections for legislative offices and for closer cooperation between Congress and national security agencies in responding to advanced cyber threats.
As investigations continue, officials have stressed that the episode serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of cyber espionage and the need for constant vigilance in protecting sensitive government communications.
Chinese intelligence services have penetrated email systems used by staff members working for key committees in the United States House of Representatives, according to officials familiar with the matter, marking one of the most significant congressional cyber intrusions disclosed in recent years. The operation, known internally as Salt Typhoon, is described as part of a long-running cyber-espionage campaign attributed to China’s Ministry of State Security.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation said the breach affected email accounts used by congressional staff supporting the House China Committee, as well as aides associated with the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the Armed Services Committee. The unauthorized access was discovered in December, prompting federal authorities to begin a broader review of congressional digital security practices and potential exposure of sensitive communications.
Officials emphasized that the compromised accounts belonged to staffers rather than elected lawmakers, and it remains unclear whether the personal email accounts of members of Congress were accessed during the intrusion. Nonetheless, the targeting of committees responsible for national security, foreign policy, and intelligence oversight has raised concerns about the scale and intent of the operation. Investigators are continuing to assess what data may have been viewed or extracted and whether the intrusion enabled further access to internal government systems.
Salt Typhoon is believed to be part of a sustained cyber campaign that has targeted US communications infrastructure for several years. According to individuals familiar with the operation, the tools and methods linked to the campaign have allowed Chinese intelligence to exploit vulnerabilities in telecommunications networks, providing access to unencrypted phone calls, text messages, and voicemail traffic across the United States. In certain circumstances, the same infrastructure has reportedly been used to gain entry into email systems.
Security officials have also indicated that communications involving senior US government figures may have been intercepted as part of this broader effort, underscoring the persistent nature of the threat. While the full scope of the intercepted material has not been publicly detailed, authorities view the campaign as a strategic intelligence-gathering effort rather than a short-term or isolated attack.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing US institutions as foreign intelligence agencies increasingly rely on cyber tools to collect information. Lawmakers and security experts have repeatedly warned that congressional offices, which often operate with limited technical resources compared with executive branch agencies, can present attractive targets for sophisticated adversaries seeking insight into policy deliberations and legislative priorities.
Federal agencies responsible for cybersecurity and counterintelligence are coordinating with congressional officials to strengthen defenses, review access controls, and improve monitoring of digital systems. The breach is expected to intensify calls for additional investment in cybersecurity protections for legislative offices and for closer cooperation between Congress and national security agencies in responding to advanced cyber threats.
As investigations continue, officials have stressed that the episode serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of cyber espionage and the need for constant vigilance in protecting sensitive government communications.
United States President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have taken a step toward resetting strained bilateral relations following a period of heightened diplomatic tension. The two leaders spoke by phone on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in their first direct conversation since relations deteriorated sharply in early January amid wider regional developments. In a statement released by the White House, Mr. Trump said he invited President Petro to visit the White House in Washington for
United States President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have taken a step toward resetting strained bilateral relations following a period of heightened diplomatic tension. The two leaders spoke by phone on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in their first direct conversation since relations deteriorated sharply in early January amid wider regional developments. In a statement released by the White House, Mr. Trump said he invited President Petro to visit the White House in Washington for
Documents released under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act have shed new light on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during India’s Operation Sindoor in April last year, revealing an extensive and urgent campaign to seek Washington’s intervention as tensions escalated between the two South Asian neighbors. The filings indicate that Islamabad repeatedly appealed to US officials for assistance, offering a range of economic and strategic incentives in return for diplomatic engag
Documents released under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act have shed new light on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during India’s Operation Sindoor in April last year, revealing an extensive and urgent campaign to seek Washington’s intervention as tensions escalated between the two South Asian neighbors. The filings indicate that Islamabad repeatedly appealed to US officials for assistance, offering a range of economic and strategic incentives in return for diplomatic engag
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told American lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is seeking to acquire Greenland through negotiations rather than through any immediate use of military force. The remarks were delivered during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders, according to reports familiar with the discussion. Rubio attempted to reassure lawmakers that the administration’s current approach is centered on diplomacy, even as debate over Greenland has intensifi
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told American lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is seeking to acquire Greenland through negotiations rather than through any immediate use of military force. The remarks were delivered during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders, according to reports familiar with the discussion. Rubio attempted to reassure lawmakers that the administration’s current approach is centered on diplomacy, even as debate over Greenland has intensifi
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Washington holds significant leverage over Venezuela’s interim authorities and is preparing to execute a plan that would place control of the country’s oil exports firmly in US hands. Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Rubio said the administration is finalising an arrangement to take possession of oil currently immobilised in Venezuela and sell it on global markets at full market prices.
According to Rubio,
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Washington holds significant leverage over Venezuela’s interim authorities and is preparing to execute a plan that would place control of the country’s oil exports firmly in US hands. Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Rubio said the administration is finalising an arrangement to take possession of oil currently immobilised in Venezuela and sell it on global markets at full market prices.
According to Rubio,
China on Wednesday strongly criticized reported United States demands aimed at reshaping Venezuela’s oil partnerships, calling the move an act of coercion that violates both national sovereignty and international law. Beijing’s response follows media reports that Washington has sought exclusive control over Venezuela’s oil sector as part of its political and economic engagement with the South American nation.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spoke
China on Wednesday strongly criticized reported United States demands aimed at reshaping Venezuela’s oil partnerships, calling the move an act of coercion that violates both national sovereignty and international law. Beijing’s response follows media reports that Washington has sought exclusive control over Venezuela’s oil sector as part of its political and economic engagement with the South American nation.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spoke
The United States has seized a Russia-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, escalating enforcement of American sanctions and drawing attention to an unusual maritime confrontation involving Russian military assets. The vessel, originally known as Bella-1, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a coordinated operation by US civilian and military authorities acting under a federal court warrant.
According to official statements, the seizure was carried out after the tanker
The United States has seized a Russia-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, escalating enforcement of American sanctions and drawing attention to an unusual maritime confrontation involving Russian military assets. The vessel, originally known as Bella-1, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a coordinated operation by US civilian and military authorities acting under a federal court warrant.
According to official statements, the seizure was carried out after the tanker
A resurfaced claim from 2019 by former White House national security adviser Fiona Hill has drawn renewed global attention after a high-profile U.S. operation in Venezuela. Hill told a U.S. congressional hearing in 2019 that senior Russian officials informally signaled they would consider reducing Moscow’s support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro if Washington granted Russia greater latitude regarding Ukraine. The suggestion, described by Hill as a “very strange swap arrangement,?
A resurfaced claim from 2019 by former White House national security adviser Fiona Hill has drawn renewed global attention after a high-profile U.S. operation in Venezuela. Hill told a U.S. congressional hearing in 2019 that senior Russian officials informally signaled they would consider reducing Moscow’s support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro if Washington granted Russia greater latitude regarding Ukraine. The suggestion, described by Hill as a “very strange swap arrangement,?
The Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, Jan 7, that it had conducted what it described as limited pre-emptive military strikes in Yemen, citing concerns that escalating actions by UAE-backed secessionist forces could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Coalition officials said the strikes were aimed at preventing a wider confrontation and preserving the possibility of political dialogue amid renewed tensions in the country’s south.
According to the coalitio
The Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, Jan 7, that it had conducted what it described as limited pre-emptive military strikes in Yemen, citing concerns that escalating actions by UAE-backed secessionist forces could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Coalition officials said the strikes were aimed at preventing a wider confrontation and preserving the possibility of political dialogue amid renewed tensions in the country’s south.
According to the coalitio
European leaders have issued a coordinated response to renewed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, emphasizing that security in the Arctic must be addressed collectively and in full respect of international law. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, leaders from several major European nations underscored that Greenland’s status is not open to unilateral negotiation and reaffirmed the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement, si
European leaders have issued a coordinated response to renewed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, emphasizing that security in the Arctic must be addressed collectively and in full respect of international law. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, leaders from several major European nations underscored that Greenland’s status is not open to unilateral negotiation and reaffirmed the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement, si
Violent clashes broke out at Tehran Bazar on Tuesday as Iranian security forces confronted demonstrators in one of the most significant flashpoints of a protest movement that has spread across the country over the past 10 days. The unrest, driven largely by public anger over worsening economic conditions, has left at least 27 people dead, according to estimates released by a human rights organization monitoring developments inside the country.
The confrontation in the capital came a
Violent clashes broke out at Tehran Bazar on Tuesday as Iranian security forces confronted demonstrators in one of the most significant flashpoints of a protest movement that has spread across the country over the past 10 days. The unrest, driven largely by public anger over worsening economic conditions, has left at least 27 people dead, according to estimates released by a human rights organization monitoring developments inside the country.
The confrontation in the capital came a
For decades, the United States has presented itself as a global guardian of democracy and international law, drawing legitimacy from its own origins in resistance to unchecked authority. Its constitutional structure was designed to restrain executive power, particularly in decisions involving war and foreign intervention. Yet the conduct of contemporary US foreign policy increasingly reflects a different reality, one in which strategic interests and economic leverage often shape moral languag
For decades, the United States has presented itself as a global guardian of democracy and international law, drawing legitimacy from its own origins in resistance to unchecked authority. Its constitutional structure was designed to restrain executive power, particularly in decisions involving war and foreign intervention. Yet the conduct of contemporary US foreign policy increasingly reflects a different reality, one in which strategic interests and economic leverage often shape moral languag
Gunfire was reported late Monday night in the vicinity of Venezuela’s presidential palace, unsettling residents in central Caracas just days after former leader Nicolas Maduro was captured in a dramatic United States military operation. Witness accounts indicated that the shots were fired around 8:00 pm local time near the Miraflores Palace, a location that has long served as the symbolic center of political authority in the country.
According to sources cited by AFP, the incident
Gunfire was reported late Monday night in the vicinity of Venezuela’s presidential palace, unsettling residents in central Caracas just days after former leader Nicolas Maduro was captured in a dramatic United States military operation. Witness accounts indicated that the shots were fired around 8:00 pm local time near the Miraflores Palace, a location that has long served as the symbolic center of political authority in the country.
According to sources cited by AFP, the incident
The diplomatic and legal standoff between the United States and Venezuela intensified after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife were transferred to a federal detention facility in Brooklyn following their appearance before a Manhattan federal court. The couple was moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they will remain in custody as legal proceedings continue in the United States.
During the court hearing, Maduro formally entered a plea of not guilty
The diplomatic and legal standoff between the United States and Venezuela intensified after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife were transferred to a federal detention facility in Brooklyn following their appearance before a Manhattan federal court. The couple was moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they will remain in custody as legal proceedings continue in the United States.
During the court hearing, Maduro formally entered a plea of not guilty
US President Donald Trump issued a series of sharp warnings directed at Mexico, Colombia and Cuba following a US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and airstrikes in the capital, Caracas. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested that Washington could expand its actions in the region, using language that raised concerns about escalating tensions across Latin America.
The president claimed that the operation, whi
US President Donald Trump issued a series of sharp warnings directed at Mexico, Colombia and Cuba following a US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and airstrikes in the capital, Caracas. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested that Washington could expand its actions in the region, using language that raised concerns about escalating tensions across Latin America.
The president claimed that the operation, whi
