LiveNewsWatch

Category: US News

  • US to Takeover Greenland Using Military – White House

    US to Takeover Greenland Using Military – White House

    U.S. President Donald Trump is considering different ways to acquire Greenland, including possible military action. The White House has stated that gaining control of Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark, is important for national security.

    This statement came after European leaders expressed their support for Denmark, which has been rejecting Trump’s plans for the Arctic Island.

    Trump said over the weekend that the U.S. “needed” Greenland for security. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. attack would threaten the future of NATO.

    On Tuesday, the White House said, “The president and his team are looking at various options to achieve this important foreign policy goal, and using the U.S. military is always an option for the commander-in-chief.”

    NATO is a military alliance where member countries support each other in case of attacks.

    Trump Has No Plans to Take Over Greenland – Rubio

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Monday that the Trump administration did not plan to invade Greenland. Instead, he talked about the idea of buying the island from Denmark, according to the Wall Street Journal and other U.S. media.

    On Tuesday, a State Department spokesperson said that the U.S. wants to create lasting business relationships that benefit Americans and the people of Greenland.

    The spokesperson added that the United States, Denmark, and NATO allies share concerns about increasing activity from common adversaries in the Arctic.

    Greenland and Denmark have asked to meet with Rubio soon to discuss U.S. claims about the island. Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said talking with America’s top diplomat should help clear up “certain misunderstandings.”

    On the same day, six European allies showed support for Denmark. They stated that “Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations.”

    The European leaders emphasized that they also care about security in the Arctic. They believe this security must be achieved together with NATO allies, including the U.S. They also urged everyone to follow the principles of the UN Charter, including respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders.

    Respectful Dialogue

    Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, praised a recent statement and called for “respectful dialogue.”

    He said, “The dialogue must respect Greenland’s status, which is based on international law and the principle of territorial integrity.”

    Concerns about Greenland’s future arose after the U.S. military intervened in Venezuela. U.S. troops captured President Nicolás Maduro and took him to face drug and weapons charges in New York.

    A day later, Katie Miller, the wife of one of Trump’s senior aides, shared a map of Greenland in the colors of the U.S. flag on social media with the word “SOON.”

    On Monday, her husband, Stephen Miller, stated that it was the “formal position of the U.S. government that Greenland should be part of the U.S.”

    When asked during a CNN interview if the U.S. would rule out using force to take Greenland, Miller replied, “Nobody’s going to fight the U.S. over the future of Greenland.”

    Greenland has about 57,000 residents and has enjoyed self-government since 1979, although Denmark still controls its defense and foreign policy.

    Most Greenlanders want independence from Denmark, but many do not support becoming part of the U.S., where a military base already exists.

    Morgan Angaju, a 27-year-old Inuit from Ilulissat in western Greenland, expressed his fears, saying, “It was terrifying to hear the leader of the free world laughing at Denmark and Greenland and talking about us as if we are something to be claimed.”

    He highlighted, “We are already claimed by the Greenlandic people,” explaining that “Kalaallit Nunaat” means “the land of the Greenlandic people.”

    Angaju is also worried about what might happen next. He wonders if Greenland’s Prime Minister could face a similar fate to Maduro or if the U.S. might “invade our country.”

  • US Attempts to Seize Russian-flagged Tanker Connected to Venezuela

    US Attempts to Seize Russian-flagged Tanker Connected to Venezuela

    The U.S. tried to seize a Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela on Wednesday. This action is part of President Donald Trump’s plan to control oil flows in the area and push Venezuela’s socialist government to ally with the U.S. After removing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. is blocking sanctioned ships from entering and leaving Venezuelan waters. Two officials reported that the U.S. Coast Guard and military attempted to board a tanker that refused inspection last month and is flying a Russian flag.

    The operation could lead to more conflict with Moscow, as a Russian submarine and other vessels have been nearby following a two-week chase in the Atlantic. Russia has condemned U.S. actions regarding Venezuela and is already in conflict with the West over the Ukraine war.

    The Russian state broadcaster RT showed an image of a helicopter hovering near the tanker, named Marinera, suggesting that U.S. forces were trying to board it. The tanker is currently empty. The U.S. Coast Guard also intercepted another fully loaded tanker linked to Venezuela near the northeast coast of South America. This is the fourth incident of this kind in recent weeks.

    China Condemns US ‘Bullying’

    The Trump administration is trying to make a deal with Venezuela to send oil supplies from China and import up to $2 billion worth of crude oil. Trump has openly talked about controlling Venezuela’s large oil reserves with U.S. oil companies after removing President Nicolás Maduro, whom he calls a drug-trafficking dictator connected to the U.S.’s enemies.

    Maduro’s allies in the Socialist Party still hold power in Venezuela. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez is trying to balance denouncing Maduro’s “kidnapping” while also starting cooperation with the U.S. under threats from Trump. Trump said the U.S. would refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of oil stuck in Venezuela due to a U.S. blockade. This would be the first step in his plan to revive the oil sector, despite Venezuela having the largest oil reserves in the world.

    “This oil will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States, to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!” Trump posted on Tuesday. Sources at the state oil company PDVSA told Reuters that negotiations for an export deal are moving forward, but Venezuela’s government has not made an official announcement.

    Venezuelan Oil Output Will Struggle to Return Quickly to Previous Levels

    Crude oil prices fell by about 1% in global markets due to expected increases in supply. The deal might require cargoes meant for Venezuela’s main buyer, China, to be redirected as Caracas tries to unload millions of barrels stuck in tankers and storage.

    “The United States’ use of force against Venezuela, along with its demands for ‘America First’ regarding Venezuela’s oil, is typical bullying,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference. China, Russia, and Venezuela’s leftist allies have all criticized the U.S. action to capture Maduro, marking it as Washington’s largest intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama to remove Manuel Noriega.

    Allies of the U.S. are worried about the dangerous precedent of trying to seize a foreign leader, especially as Trump threatens further action, from Mexico to Greenland, to support U.S. interests.

    Dozens Died During Capture of Maduro

    Details about the U.S. Special Forces operation in Caracas are still unclear. The forces reportedly flew in by helicopter at night on Saturday, broke through Maduro’s security, and captured him at the entrance of a safe room without any U.S. casualties.

    Venezuela has not confirmed the total losses, but the army announced that 23 of its members died, and Cuba reported that 32 of its military and intelligence members were killed. Maduro, 63, who has been in power since his predecessor Hugo Chávez died in 2013, pleaded not guilty on Monday to drug-related charges in a Manhattan court, where he wore prison clothing and was shackled at the ankles.

    Trump seems to think that working with Maduro’s senior allies is better for stability in Venezuela for now. He is focusing on reviving the oil sector with U.S. firms instead of prioritizing the release of political prisoners or organizing new elections for democratic change.

    Venezuelan Opposition Kept Waiting

    Maria Corina Machado is Venezuela’s main opposition leader. She disguised herself to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in October and wants to return home. She believes the opposition would win a free election easily. However, she is careful not to upset Donald Trump. She wants to personally give him the Nobel Prize, which he wanted, and which she dedicated to him at the time. She supports Trump’s goal of making Venezuela a key ally and an energy hub in the Americas.

    The U.S. has warned Venezuelan officials, including Rodriguez and others, that they must cooperate. If they don’t, they could face the same fate as Maduro. Diosdado Cabello, the Interior Minister known for controlling security forces accused of human rights abuses, is under close watch, according to sources who spoke to Reuters.

    Rodriguez is also under U.S. sanctions. Her foreign financial assets could be used as leverage, said a source familiar with the U.S. government’s plans.

  • Role of Congress Questioned as Democrats Pledge to Rein in Trump over Venezuela

    Role of Congress Questioned as Democrats Pledge to Rein in Trump over Venezuela

    It has become a common pattern: U.S. presidents take military action abroad without Congress’s approval, and Congress often does nothing in response.

    Recently, the U.S. military abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. This has led Senate Democrats to pledge to introduce a resolution to limit President Donald Trump’s military actions. Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s top Democrat, said they will push for a vote within the week, though it may not succeed.

    Since Trump began his second term in 2025, Congress has considered several bills to require him to get approval before launching military strikes. The recent attack on Venezuela shows a clear example of presidential overreach, which experts believe needs Congress to take action. David Janovsky, acting director of the Constitution Project at the Project on Government Oversight, emphasizes this point.

    Janovsky notes that under the U.S. Constitution, only Congress has the power to approve military action. He also points out that the attack on Venezuela goes against the UN Charter, which is considered law in the United States.

    He added, “Past justifications for unilateral military action by presidents simply do not apply here. This is particularly bold.”

    The Struggle Ahead

    Since August, the Trump administration has planned to increase its efforts against Venezuela.

    In August, Trump reportedly signed a secret memo asking the U.S. military to prepare for action against criminal networks abroad. Then, on September 2, the administration began launching strikes on boats suspected of drug smuggling off the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia.

    Many condemned this bombing campaign as a violation of international law and as undermining Congress’s power. It happened alongside an increase in U.S. military presence near Venezuela.

    Trump also suggested that the military campaign could soon target drug trafficking in Venezuela itself. “When they come by land, we’re going to stop them the same way we stopped the boats,” Trump said on September 16.

    These strikes led to two votes in the House of Representatives in December. One vote would require Congress to approve any land strikes on Venezuela, while the other would force Trump to seek approval for strikes on drug-smuggling boats.

    Both resolutions failed to pass, mostly along party lines. A similar resolution in the Senate, which aimed to require Congress’s approval for more attacks, also did not pass in November.

    After the recent U.S. operation on Saturday, Senator Tim Kaine spoke to reporters. He hoped that Trump’s bold actions in Venezuela would encourage lawmakers to take action.

    Kaine said Republicans can no longer treat Trump’s military buildup in the Caribbean and his threats as simple “bluffs” or “negotiating tactics.”

    “It’s time for Congress to get serious and do its job,” Kaine stated.

    In an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, US Senator Chris Murphy agreed that Congress has become weak on war matters. This issue has been seen in both Democratic and Republican administrations.

    Bash pointed out that former President Barack Obama’s 2011 military action in Libya occurred without Congress’s approval.

    Republicans Are Indifferent About Resolutions

    Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the sole power to declare war, which it has not done since World War II.

    Instead, lawmakers have often used Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) to approve sending troops to recent wars, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan and for strikes against alleged al-Qaeda members in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

    So far, no AUMFs have been passed for military action in Venezuela.

    If lawmakers think the president is acting beyond their legal power, they can pass a war powers resolution. This resolution requires Congress to approve any further military actions.

    These resolutions are mostly symbolic, but they give a legal basis to challenge the president’s actions in court. However, they are hard to pass since two-thirds of both chambers of Congress must agree to override a presidential veto.

    With the current Congress, passing a war powers resolution would likely need support from both parties.

    Republicans have narrow majorities in the House and Senate, so some members of Trump’s party would need to support the resolution for it to pass.

    In November’s Senate vote, only two Republicans, Rand Paul from Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, voted in favor. The resolution failed with a vote of 51 to 49.

    In December, a similar vote in the House only received 211 votes in favor and 213 against. In that vote, three Republicans supported the resolution while one Democrat opposed it.

  • US Administration to Hold Meetings with Oil Companies over Venezuela – Source

    US Administration to Hold Meetings with Oil Companies over Venezuela – Source

    The Trump administration will meet with U.S. oil company executives later this week to discuss increasing oil production in Venezuela after U.S. forces removed its leader, Nicolás Maduro.

    These meetings are important for the administration’s goal of bringing major U.S. oil companies back into Venezuela. The Venezuelan government took control of U.S.-operated energy projects nearly twenty years ago.

    The three largest U.S. oil companies, Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron, have not talked to the administration about Maduro’s removal, according to four oil industry executives. This goes against Trump’s claims over the weekend that he met with “all” the U.S. oil companies before and after Maduro was ousted. One source said, “None of these three companies has talked to the White House about operating in Venezuela, either before or after the removal.”

    These upcoming meetings are crucial for the administration’s plans to increase oil production and exports from Venezuela. Venezuela, an OPEC member, has the world’s largest oil reserves, and U.S. refineries can process its crude oil. Experts say achieving this goal will take years of work and billions of dollars in investment.

    “All of our oil companies are ready and willing to invest heavily in Venezuela to rebuild their oil infrastructure, which the illegitimate Maduro regime has destroyed,” said White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers.

    Big Plans, Big Problems

    On Saturday, U.S. forces quickly raided Venezuela’s capital and arrested President Nicolás Maduro. They sent him to the United States to face drug-related charges.

    After Maduro’s capture, U.S. President Trump said he expects major U.S. oil companies to invest billions to increase Venezuela’s oil production. Production has dropped to about one-third of its best level over the past twenty years because of low investment and sanctions.

    However, experts note that these plans may face challenges due to poor infrastructure and uncertainty about Venezuela’s political future, legal situation, and U.S. policies. Currently, Chevron is the only major American oil company working in Venezuela’s oil fields. ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips had successful operations in the country until former President Hugo Chávez took over their projects.

    An oil industry executive, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “I don’t think any company besides Chevron, which is already there, will decide to develop this resource.” ConocoPhillips is seeking billions in compensation for losing three oil projects under Chávez. ExxonMobil has been involved in long legal disputes after leaving Venezuela in 2007.

    Chevron exports about 150,000 barrels of crude oil daily from Venezuela to the U.S. Gulf Coast. It has carefully worked with the Trump administration to maintain its operations in Venezuela over the past few years.

    Investors are optimistic, betting that U.S. actions against Venezuela’s leaders will give U.S. companies access to the country’s oil reserves. However, Trump noted that a U.S. embargo on Venezuelan oil is still in place.

    As a result, the S&P 500 energy index reached its highest point since March 2025, with ExxonMobil rising by 2.2% and Chevron jumping by 5.1%.

  • Venezuela’s Acting President Offers U.S. Cooperation After Trump Warns of Possible Strike

    Venezuela’s acting president invited the United States on Sunday to work together on a plan for “shared development.” This was the first time the Venezuelan government had taken a friendly approach since U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro.

    In a social media statement, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said her government wants to build respectful relations with the United States. She had previously called the Saturday operation an illegal takeover of the country’s resources.

    “We invite the U.S. government to work with us on a cooperation plan focused on shared development under international law, which would help strengthen community relations,” Rodriguez said. “President Donald Trump, our people, and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war.”

    Rodriguez, who is also the oil minister, is seen as the most practical member of Maduro’s team. Trump has suggested she is willing to collaborate with the U.S.

    However, she and other officials publicly described the detentions of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as a kidnapping and stated that Maduro is still the country’s legitimate leader.

    On Sunday, Trump told reporters he could order another strike if Venezuela does not help the U.S. open its oil industry and stop drug trafficking. He also warned of potential military action in Colombia and Mexico and claimed Cuba’s communist government appears to be on the brink of collapse. The Colombian and Mexican embassies in Washington did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

    Maduro To Appear in U.S. Court On Monday

    Rodriguez announced that Maduro will appear before a federal judge in New York on Monday. Officials from the Trump administration claim that his capture is a law enforcement effort to hold Maduro accountable for criminal charges from 2020, which say he was involved in a narco-terrorism conspiracy.

    Trump has also mentioned that other reasons influenced the raid. He said it was partly due to an increase in Venezuelan immigrants coming to the U.S. and Venezuela’s decision years ago to take control of U.S. oil interests. “We’re taking back what they stole,” he said on Air Force One while returning to Washington from Florida. “We’re in charge.”

    Trump added that oil companies will come back to Venezuela to rebuild the country’s oil industry. He claimed, “They’re going to spend billions of dollars, and they’re going to take the oil out of the ground.”

    Venezuela – High on Oil Reserves but Low on Production

     

    Trump Threatens Colombia’s Petro, Claims Cuba’s ‘Ready to Fall’

    Global oil prices rose slightly as investors considered what U.S. military action in Venezuela might mean, and stock markets went up in Asia.

    Maduro, 63, faces charges that accuse him of helping major drug trafficking groups like the Sinaloa Cartel and the Tren de Aragua gang. Prosecutors say he ran cocaine trafficking routes, used the military to guard shipments, protected violent trafficking groups, and used government property to move drugs. Originally filed in 2020, the charges were updated on Saturday to include his wife, Cilia Flores, who was also captured by U.S. forces and is accused of ordering kidnappings and murders.

    Maduro denies any wrongdoing, and it may take months before he goes to trial.

    Raid Draws Criticism and Questions About Legality

    The United States has called Nicolás Maduro an illegitimate dictator since he claimed victory in the 2018 election, which had many allegations of fraud. Former President Trump has said that opposition leader María Corina Machado cannot take over because she does not have enough support.

    Machado is banned from the 2024 election but believes her ally, Edmundo González, has the right to be president. Some international observers say González won that election overwhelmingly.

    Most countries do not support Maduro, but many have questioned the legality of taking a foreign leader by force. They want the U.S. to follow international law. The U.N. Security Council plans to meet on Monday to discuss the U.S. attack. Secretary-General António Guterres called this action a dangerous precedent.

    China has also criticized the U.S, saying it violates international law. They demand the release of Maduro and his wife.

    This attack has raised concerns in the U.S. Some opposition Democrats say the administration misled them about its policy on Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to brief lawmakers in Washington later on Monday.

    Venezuela, once a wealthy country in Latin America, has seen its economy collapse over the last 20 years. This crisis has caused many Venezuelans to leave, with one in five moving abroad. Removing Maduro, who has led Venezuela for over 12 years after Hugo Chávez’s death, could make the situation in the country of 28 million people even worse.

  • Trump Threatens Colombia’s Petro, Claims Cuba’s ‘Ready to Fall’

    Trump Threatens Colombia’s Petro, Claims Cuba’s ‘Ready to Fall’

    U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Colombian President Gustavo Petro after the U.S. abducted Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro. Trump also suggested that the Cuban government might fall soon.

    These comments from Trump came on Sunday, despite widespread condemnation of the U.S. action. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain called this abduction a “dangerous precedent for peace and regional security.”

    While speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump described Colombia and Venezuela as “very sick” countries. He claimed that Petro, the leader in Bogotá, is “a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.” Trump added, “And he’s not going to be doing it very long. Let me tell you.”

    When asked if he meant a U.S. operation against Colombia, Trump replied, “Sounds good to me.”

    Petro responded sharply, telling Trump to “stop slandering” him. He urged Latin American countries to unite, warning that they could be treated as “servants and slaves.”

    In several posts on X, Petro pointed out that the U.S. is the first country ever to bomb a capital in South America. However, he said that revenge is not the answer.

    Instead, he called for Latin America to come together and become a region that can “understand, trade, and connect with the whole world.” He added, “We do not look only to the north, but in all directions.”

    Trump’s Warnings to Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba

    US forces captured Maduro in Caracas on Saturday. Washington called this a law enforcement operation to bring him to trial for “narcoterrorism” charges.

    Maduro denies these claims. Critics say the U.S. wants to remove him to control Venezuela’s oil reserves.

    On Air Force One, Trump said the U.S. is still “in charge” of Venezuela, despite the country’s Supreme Court naming Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the interim leader. He warned that the U.S. military could return to Venezuela if it “doesn’t behave.”

    Trump claimed that many Cubans died in the U.S. raid on Caracas. He added that intervening in Cuba is unnecessary because the country seems ready to collapse on its own.

    “Cuba is ready to fall,” he said. “They have no income now. They got all their money from Venezuela and Venezuelan oil. They’re not receiving any of it. Cuba is literally ready to fall.”

    Trump also warned Mexico to “get their act together” because drugs are flowing through Mexico and action is needed. He called Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum a “terrific person” and said he offered to send U.S. troops to Mexico whenever he talked to her.

    He noted that the Mexican government can handle the problem, but the cartels are very powerful in Mexico. Trump has been clear about wanting to expand U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere, revisiting the Monroe Doctrine, which states that Latin America is under U.S. influence. He calls his version the “Don-roe Doctrine.”

    His remarks on Sunday were not his first warnings to Latin American countries.

    After Maduro’s capture, Trump told Petro to “watch his back” and mentioned that the political situation in Cuba is “something we’ll talk about because Cuba is a failing nation.”

    Dangerous Precedent

    The U.S. attack on Venezuela has received strong criticism from many countries.

    Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, and Spain made a joint statement to express their strong concern and rejection of the military actions in Venezuela.

    They said, “These actions break important international laws, especially the rules against using or threatening force. These actions create a dangerous situation for peace and regional security and put civilians at risk.”

    Analysts also pointed out that it is uncertain whether Trump will act on his threats or if he is trying to pressure these countries into working with the U.S.

    “It’s hard to predict. Trump often hopes that other countries will do what he wants without using much force. He believes that these quick, public shows of force, like the bombing in Iran and the operation in Venezuela, will scare other nations into complying,” said David Smith, an associate professor at the University of Sydney’s U.S. Studies Centre.

    Trump’s Push for Regime Change in Latin America

    Trump is trying to influence governments in Latin America. Smith says he has clashed with Colombian President Gustavo Petro over deportation flights. He also sanctioned a Brazilian judge who prosecuted former President Jair Bolsonaro for trying to start an insurrection. Bolsonaro is a Trump supporter.

    Trump has supported the right-wing government of Javier Milei in Argentina and pardoned ex-Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who faced drug trafficking charges.

    Smith noted that in the first year of his administration, Trump has aimed to promote right-wing governments in Latin America and weaken left-wing governments.

    Matthew Wilson, a political scientist at Southern Methodist University, believes Cuba will be a top target for further U.S. action. The U.S. has a long history of issues with Cuba.

    Relations between the U.S. and Cuba have been tense since Fidel Castro overthrew a U.S.-backed government in 1959 and set up a socialist state with the former Soviet Union.

    Wilson stated, “I would be more concerned if I were in Cuba than in Colombia. The U.S. has long-standing grievances against Cuba and a strong group of Cuban Americans who are very hostile to the regime there.”

  • World Responds to US Bombing Venezuela & Maduro’s ‘Capture’

    World Responds to US Bombing Venezuela & Maduro’s ‘Capture’

    United States President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. conducted a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro.

    In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country after an operation conducted with U.S. law enforcement.

    The strikes happened inside Venezuela early on Saturday, marking a serious escalation that many Venezuelans had feared for weeks.

    U.S. media outlets, including Fox News and CBS News, reported on the strikes against the South American country.

    In a statement on X, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau proclaimed that Venezuela was experiencing a “new dawn.” He stated, “A new dawn for Venezuela! The tyrant is gone. He will now – finally – face justice for his crimes.”

    In an initial response, Maduro accused the U.S. of “extremely serious military aggression.” His government declared, “Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people.”

    Other countries are also reacting to the attack.

    Cuba

    Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the United States on social media. He accused the U.S. of carrying out a “criminal attack” against Venezuela and called for an urgent international response. In a post on X, Diaz-Canel stated that Cuba’s so-called “zone of peace” was being “brutally assaulted,” labeling the US action as “state terrorism” directed not only at the Venezuelan people but at “Our America” more broadly. He concluded his statement with the revolutionary slogan, “Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome.” Additionally, a statement released by various Cuban embassies worldwide denounced the US military attack against Venezuela and demanded an urgent reaction from the international community, describing the attack as “state terrorism.”

    Chile

    Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font expressed his government’s “concern and condemnation” of the US military actions in Venezuela in a statement posted on X. He called for a peaceful resolution to the serious crisis affecting the country, reaffirming Chile’s commitment to fundamental principles of international law, such as the prohibition of the use of force, non-intervention, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the territorial integrity of states. Boric stated, “The Venezuelan crisis must be resolved through dialogue and the support of multilateralism, not through violence or foreign interference.”

    Mexico

    In a statement on X, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo condemned the military intervention in Venezuela. She included an article from the UN Charter that states, “Members of the Organization must not threaten or use force against any state’s land or political freedom. They should also avoid actions that go against the goals of the United Nations in their international relations.”

    Trinidad and Tobago

    “Earlier this morning, Saturday, January 3, 2026, the United States commenced military operations in the territory of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations. We continue to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela,” Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said in a statement.

    Iran

    In a statement posted on X, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated, “What’s important is that when one realizes an enemy wants to impose something on one’s government or nation with false claims, they must stand firmly against that enemy.”

    “We won’t yield to them. With reliance on God and the confidence of the people’s support, we will bring the enemy to its knees,” he added.

    Russia

    Moscow is very concerned and has condemned what it calls an “act of armed aggression” by the United States against Venezuela, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry emphasized that it is important to prevent further escalation and to focus on resolving the issue through dialogue.

    The ministry emphasized that “Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive military intervention from outside. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and support for their leadership’s policy of defending the country’s national interests and sovereignty,” it added. The ministry also expressed extreme concern about the capture of President Maduro and his wife, stating that such actions constitute an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state.

    United States

    In a statement posted on X, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. “Nicolas Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of destructive devices and machine guns, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States. They will soon face the full force of American justice in American courts,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Republican Senator Mike Lee announced that the U.S. has completed its military action in Venezuela following the capture of Maduro. He said he anticipates no further action now that Maduro is in U.S. custody, stating this after a telephone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    United Kingdom

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the UK was not involved in the United States’ strikes on Venezuela and expressed his intent to speak with President Trump to gather the full facts of what had occurred. “I want to establish the facts first. I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to our allies. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved … and I believe we should all uphold international law,” he said in a statement to British broadcasters.

    European Union

    The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated that she has spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU ambassador in Caracas regarding the latest developments in Venezuela.

    “The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela,” Kallas said in a statement on X. “The EU has repeatedly asserted that Mr. Maduro lacks legitimacy and has advocated for a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority.”

    Germany

    In a statement to the AFP news agency, Germany’s foreign ministry expressed that it is “monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely and following the latest reports with great concern.” The foreign ministry added that it is in close contact with the embassy in Caracas and that the government’s crisis team is in session, coordinating closely with its partners.

    Italy

    Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni indicated that she is “closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela,” with the goal of “gathering information about our fellow citizens” in the country. Meloni mentioned that she is in constant contact with Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani. Approximately 160,000 Italians currently reside in Venezuela, most of whom hold dual citizenship.

    Indonesia

    Indonesia is keeping an eye on developments in Venezuela to ensure the safety of its citizens, stated Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang. “Indonesia also calls on all relevant parties to prioritize a peaceful resolution through de-escalation and dialogue while focusing on the protection of civilians. Indonesia emphasizes the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter.”

  • US Cuts UN Humanitarian Aid To $2bn Amid Trump Demands for Reforms

    US Cuts UN Humanitarian Aid To $2bn Amid Trump Demands for Reforms

    The United States will contribute only $2 billion in humanitarian aid to the United Nations. This is a small amount compared to what the U.S. usually provides. The Trump administration is cutting back on foreign aid significantly.

    This new commitment, announced on Monday, is much lower than the up to $17 billion the U.S. has given in recent years as the UN’s main supporter. About $8 to $10 billion of that was voluntary funding, according to U.S. officials.

    Critics have strongly criticized these cuts, stating they lead to more deaths and hunger as millions of people around the world lose access to food, shelter, and basic aid.

    The $2 billion will be used for specific countries or crises, with 17 countries targeted at first. These include Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Syria, and Ukraine.

    Afghanistan and Palestine are not on this list. Officials say that aid for Palestine will come from funding related to Trump’s upcoming Gaza plan.

    Negative Consequences as Western Countries Reduce Aid

    Earlier this month, the United Nations (UN) asked for $23 billion in funding for 2026, but this is only half of what it needs. Western countries have cut their aid, which has led to these funding shortages.

    In June, the UN warned it would need to reduce its programs significantly because of the largest funding cuts ever in international aid.

    The Trump administration has weakened the main U.S. agency that provides foreign aid, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). They have told UN agencies to “adapt, shrink, or die” in response to these changes.

    Other Western countries, including Germany, have also decreased their funding. The effects of these cuts are being felt quickly in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.

    In July, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said over 11 million refugees would lose access to aid. At that time, the agency had received only 23% of its $10.6 billion budget and expected its total budget to drop to $3.5 billion by the end of the year, which is not enough to help 122 million people.

    Basic services for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are in danger of collapsing, and education for more than 230,000 Rohingya children is likely to stop.

    The UN also predicted a rise in deaths from HIV/AIDS by 2029 due to the funding cuts. Additionally, the charity Doctors Without Borders reported that over 650 children have died from malnutrition in Nigeria because of the lack of international aid.

    Regulate the Spigot

    A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, told The Associated Press that the U.S. will provide $2 billion as part of a larger plan. In this plan, the UN humanitarian agency (OCHA) will manage the distribution of funds.

    The Trump administration wants UN agencies to have stronger leadership and authority, according to the official.

    OCHA chief Tom Fletcher has previously criticized the lack of international response to rising humanitarian needs, saying his agency is under pressure.

    Despite this, Fletcher praised the $2 billion agreement, stating that the U.S. is showing it can be a leader in humanitarian efforts.

  • US Launched Strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria

    US Launched Strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria

    The United States has carried out airstrikes against a group of fighters linked to the Islamic State in northwestern Nigeria. These fighters have been trying to take control of the area.

    The U.S. military attacked camps in Sokoto State, near the border with Niger. They found that several people may have been killed in the strikes.

    President Donald Trump called the strikes strong and said the fighters were dangerous people who target innocent Christians.

    Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar said this was a joint operation and it wasn’t about any one religion.

    He also mentioned that they had planned the strikes for a long time and used information from Nigeria. More strikes could happen in the future.

    Tuggar explained that the timing of the attacks wasn’t because of Christmas; it was about stopping terrorists who harm Nigerians.

    For years, the Nigerian government has been fighting different groups that cause violence, especially in the northeast part of the country, which is far from Sokoto State.

    U.S. Attacked Late Thursday Night

    Eyewitness Umar Jabo told BBC News that the attack happened late Thursday night near the village of Jabo. He explained, “Everyone thought it was a plane. It crashed in the fields.”

    His statement was supported by images on social media, showing local people filming the burning aftermath in a field.

    Umar Jabo also said that no ISIS fighters were killed, adding, “Here in Jabo, we live peacefully, and there is no conflict between Christians and us.”

    The Trump administration has accused the Nigerian government of not protecting Christians from attacks by jihadists, claiming that a “genocide” is happening.

    Trump has called Nigeria a “country of particular concern.” This label, used by the U.S. State Department, allows for sanctions against countries that violate religious freedom severely.

    In November, the U.S. military was ordered to prepare for potential intervention in Nigeria.

    During that time, an adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stated in an interview with BBC News that militants were targeting individuals from various faiths. The adviser emphasized that any military action taken by the U.S. should be conducted jointly with Nigerian forces.

    No Evidence that Christians are Being Killed More Than Muslims

    Groups that monitor violence in Nigeria report there is no proof that Christians are being killed more than Muslims. The country has roughly equal numbers of both religions.

    On Christmas Day, Trump announced airstrikes, saying he would “not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Nigerian government for its support. He also wished everyone a “Merry Christmas!” in a post on X.

    The U.S. Department of Defense shared a video showing a missile being launched from a ship.

     

    US Launched Strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria

     

    On Friday morning, the Nigerian foreign ministry said the country is working closely with international partners, including the United States, to fight terrorism and violence.

    This cooperation has led to successful strikes against terrorist targets in the Northwest.

    Jihadist groups, like Boko Haram and their IS-connected branches, have caused trouble in northeastern Nigeria for over a decade, killing thousands of people. Reports from Acled show that most victims are Muslims.

    Bulama Bukati, a Nigerian human rights lawyer and conflict analyst, thinks Thursday’s strikes hit a new IS-aligned group that came from the Sahel region and moved to Nigeria.

    Bukati explained that the largest IS-linked group in Nigeria, the Islamic State West Africa Province, operates in the northeast. The smaller group, called Lakurawa, wants to establish a base in Sokoto state in the Northwest.

    “They started entering Nigeria in 2018, but in the last 18 months to two years, they have set up camps in Sokoto and Kebbi states,” he said. “They have been attacking people and imposing their rules in Sokoto state during this time.”

    Local official Bashar Isah Jabo said there are no IS or Lakurawa members in the village. He added that the missile landed less than 500 meters (1,600 feet) from a local hospital.

    Daily U.S. Reconnaissance Flights in Sokoto

    A pro-ISIS social media channel reports that U.S. reconnaissance flights are occurring almost daily in Sokoto and in Borno, the northeastern state where Nigeria’s largest ISIS-linked group operates.

    In central Nigeria, clashes occur frequently between mostly Muslim herders and farming groups, who are often Christian, over water and pasture access. Conflicts like these create ongoing violence, leading to many deaths. Both sides commit brutal acts.

    Recently, the U.S. military has launched two major operations against ISIS. Last week, it carried out a large strike on ISIS in Syria. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said that fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery attacked over 70 targets in multiple locations across central Syria, with aircraft from Jordan also participating in the operation. These strikes were in retaliation for the deaths of three Americans, two soldiers and a civilian interpreter, who were killed in an ambush by the group.

  • Trump Expected to Reveal a Proposal for a “Peace Council” – Israeli Media

    Trump Expected to Reveal a Proposal for a “Peace Council” – Israeli Media

    The White House wants to move forward with the Gaza ceasefire process in January. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted this plan, leading to tension with U.S. President Donald Trump’s team, according to Israeli media.

    According to Israel’s Channel 12, the U.S. aims to announce a new Palestinian technocratic government to manage daily affairs in Gaza in early January. This government is a key part of the second phase of the plan to end the conflict.

    The White House also plans to set up a multinational peace council to oversee the technocratic government and an international force to maintain security in Gaza next month.

    Trump may announce the peace council, which he has mentioned he would lead, during the Davos Economic Forum on January 19.

    Additionally, the U.S. envisions starting a staged disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, managed by the new technocratic government, according to a senior White House official.

    Demilitarization of Hamas is a major part of the ceasefire plan approved by the United Nations Security Council in November. However, Hamas has not fully committed to this. Recently, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal stated that the group would consider a temporary “freeze” on its weapons but would not agree to complete disarmament.

    Netanyahu Government Making It Tough

    Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently informed Israeli officials about U.S. plans to move forward with the ceasefire process and create a new peace council, according to a senior Israeli official reported by Israel’s Channel 13.

    However, Prime Minister Netanyahu is skeptical about these plans, particularly regarding the proposed disarmament of Hamas, as another source told Israel’s Channel 12.

    This discussion comes after Israel has repeatedly violated the October ceasefire, putting its future at risk. During the 11-week truce, Israel has attacked Gaza nearly every day, killing at least 406 Palestinians, including many civilians, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

    Israel has also blocked the full delivery of promised aid and continues to restrict important food items like meat, dairy, and vegetables.

    On Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces “will never leave Gaza,” even though the ceasefire plan calls for a complete withdrawal.

    The U.S. is frustrated by what it sees as Israel’s lack of respect for the truce and the tactics that delay progress in the peace process, as reported by Israel’s Channel 12.

    An anonymous U.S. official said, “It feels like the Israelis are having second thoughts about the Gaza agreement. Implementation is already difficult, but sometimes the Israelis make it even harder.”

    Daniel Levy, a former Israeli government adviser who leads the U.S./Middle East Project, said that Israel likely will not meet key ceasefire terms, such as fully withdrawing and allowing a technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza, unless it faces significant outside pressure.

    “Israel has no intention of withdrawing from Gaza. It does not want an international force that could limit its ability to act against Palestinians,” Levy said. “It also doesn’t intend to allow legitimate Palestinian governance in Gaza. Unless it is pushed to accept these factors, Israel will continue to resist.”