LiveNewsWatch

Category: World News

  • Kabul Blast Killed 7 People at Hotel Restaurant

    Kabul Blast Killed 7 People at Hotel Restaurant

    An explosion occurred at a Chinese-run restaurant in a hotel in a secure area of Kabul, Afghanistan. The blast killed one Chinese national and six Afghans, and several others were injured, including a child.

    The explosion happened in the commercial Shahr-e-Naw neighborhood, which has office buildings, shopping centers, and embassies. This area is considered one of the safest in the city, according to police spokesperson Khalid Zadran.

    The restaurant, which served Chinese noodles, was run by Abdul Majid, a Chinese Muslim, his wife, and an Afghan partner named Abdul Jabbar Mahmood. They primarily served the Chinese Muslim community.

    The blast occurred near the kitchen, killing Ayub, the Chinese national, and six Afghans. Several people were also hurt. Videos on social media showed debris outside the restaurant and smoke coming from a large hole in the front of the building.

    No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion, and authorities are investigating the cause.

    Several People Killed in Kabul Blast

    The Italian NGO Emergency reported that a medical facility it manages in Kabul has treated 20 people after a blast. Seven of them were already dead when they arrived. The organization said these casualty figures are still provisional.

    “Twenty people came to EMERGENCY’s Surgical Centre in Kabul after an explosion this afternoon in the Shahr-e-Naw area, near the hospital. Of these, seven individuals were dead on arrival,” the NGO announced.

    Among the injured are four women and one child. Unfortunately, seven people were already dead when they arrived. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, but no details have been released yet.

    The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 and promised to restore security. However, bomb attacks have continued, many of which are claimed by the local branch of the Islamic State group.

    While explosions in Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan have become less common since the Taliban took power after the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, ISIL (ISIS) is still active and occasionally carries out attacks.

  • US Classified Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as ‘Terrorists’

    US Classified Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as ‘Terrorists’

    The United States has labeled Muslim Brotherhood organizations in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups. This announcement comes from President Donald Trump’s administration as it increases efforts to target groups that oppose Israel globally.

    This decision was made on Tuesday, following an executive order from Trump issued weeks earlier to start the process of blacklisting these groups.

    The US Department of the Treasury identified the organizations in Jordan and Egypt as “specially designated global terrorists.” Meanwhile, the State Department classified the Lebanese group as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO).

    The Trump administration mentioned that these groups allegedly support Hamas and act against Israeli interests in the Middle East as reasons for the designations.

    The US Treasury stated, “Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood claim to be legitimate civic organizations, but they openly support terrorist groups like Hamas behind the scenes.”

    On Tuesday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the US decision to label the Egyptian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as global “terrorists.” They called it a significant step. The ministry explained that the decision shows the risks this group poses and its extremist ideology, which threatens regional and international security.

    They also said this move matches Egypt’s long-standing view of the group, which it considers a “terrorist” organization due to its violence and incitement.

    These US designations make it illegal to provide support to these groups and impose economic sanctions to disrupt their funding. The FTO label also bans members of these groups from entering the US.

    The Muslim Brotherhood

    The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in 1928 by Egyptian scholar Hassan al-Banna. It has branches across the Middle East, including political parties and social groups.

    The group claims it is committed to peaceful political participation. In Lebanon, the Muslim Brotherhood chapter is called al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, and it has representatives in the Lebanese Parliament.

    In Jordan, the group won 31 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2024 elections through its political arm, the Islamic Action Front. However, last year, the Jordanian government banned the group, accusing it of being involved in a sabotage plot.

    In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood won the only democratically held presidential election in 2012. But after President Mohamed Morsi was overthrown in a military coup in 2013, he died in prison in 2019. Since then, Egypt has banned the Muslim Brotherhood and cracked down on its leaders and members, forcing the group underground and into exile.

    Muslim Brotherhood organizations have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them genocide. Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya showed support for Hezbollah as part of a solidarity effort for Gaza, which led to a war in September 2024.

    After a decree by Trump in November, Lebanese Parliament member Imad al-Hout stated that al-Jamaa al-Islamiya is a licensed political organization in Lebanon and has no foreign ties. He said that the assessment of any Lebanese political group should be based on Lebanese laws, not external viewpoints tied to American interests that support Israel and do not reflect the situation in Lebanon.

    The Group Rejected Trump’s Order

    The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood rejected Trump’s order to blacklist them, noting that previous US administrations did not take this step.

    “The facts have not changed. What has changed is the foreign pressure on the United States, especially from the UAE and Israel, to adopt policies that serve outside interests instead of the American people,” the group stated in November.

    “These outside interests contradict the ‘America First’ principle that President Trump often mentions and show the negative influence of foreign lobbying groups on U.S. national security decisions.”

    Effects in the US

    In the US and other Western countries, right-wing activists have tried to harm the reputation of Muslim immigrant communities and critics of Israel by linking them to the Muslim Brotherhood.

    Some of Trump’s supporters in Congress have pushed for blacklisting the group for years.

    After Trump’s order labeled the Muslim Brotherhood’s branches in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan as “terrorist” groups, the Republican governors of Texas and Florida acted against the leading Muslim civil rights group in the US.

    Both states classified the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “terrorist” groups.

    CAIR, which denies any connection to the Muslim Brotherhood, has filed a lawsuit in response.

  • Chinese, Russian, & Iranian Warships Arrive in South Africa for Drills

    Chinese, Russian, & Iranian Warships Arrive in South Africa for Drills

    Chinese, Russian, and Iranian warships are in South African waters this week for naval drills. These exercises happen as tensions rise due to the United States’ military actions in Venezuela and its seizure of oil tankers.

    China’s defense ministry announced that the drills will begin with an opening ceremony on Saturday. The main aim is to protect important shipping routes and economic activities. The exercises will include attacks on maritime targets and rescue operations against terrorism.

    Ships from these three countries have been seen coming in and out of the harbor at South Africa’s main naval base in Simon’s Town, near Cape Town, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean.

    It is unclear if Brazil, India, or the United Arab Emirates, or other BRICS countries, will join the drills. A spokesperson for the South African armed forces has not confirmed the full list of participants, but the exercises will run until next Friday.

    South Africa’s defense forces say these drills will help navies share best practices and improve cooperation. This will contribute to safer shipping routes and regional stability.

    These exercises follow a US military attack on Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, during which President Nicolás Maduro was reportedly abducted.

    US Forces Seizing Venezuela Oil Tankers

    The Trump administration has been taking oil tankers connected to Venezuela from international waters. This includes a Russian-flagged ship in the North Atlantic that the US says broke its sanctions.

    Russia has reacted strongly, calling this seizure a violation of international maritime law.

    In an interview with The New York Times, Trump said he does not care about international law. He claimed that only his “own morality” guides his administration’s strong actions.

    The US has also warned that it might take action against Iran because of the government’s response to recent protests.

    Joint naval drills among BRICS countries could create more tension between the US and South Africa, which has faced criticism from the Trump administration.

    These drills were supposed to happen last November but were delayed because they conflicted with the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

    Let Not Press Panic Buttons

    South Africa’s Deputy Defence Minister, Bantu Holomisa, said the event was planned before the current tensions.

    He asked the public not to worry just because the United States has issues with certain countries. “Those countries are not our enemies,” Holomisa said.

    Some people in South Africa criticized the decision to host Russian and Iranian warships. The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the coalition government, opposes this decision.

    They called the military drills “BRICS cooperation” and argued that it is a way for the government to hide the fact that it is building military ties with nations like Russia and Iran, which are facing sanctions.

  • 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.”

  • Iran’s Khamenei Urges Putting Rioters ‘in their Place’ Amid Protests

    Iran’s Khamenei Urges Putting Rioters ‘in their Place’ Amid Protests

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that “rioters must be put in their place” after a week of protests shaking the country.

    Khamenei, who is 86, made his first comments on Saturday as violence related to the protests over Iran’s struggling economy has resulted in at least 10 deaths.

    The protests continue, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran on Friday. He stated that if Tehran “violently kills peaceful protesters,” the U.S. “will come to their rescue.” It is unclear if or how Trump will intervene, especially after a major U.S. military attack on Venezuela and the supposed capture of President Nicolas Maduro. His comments led to immediate anger from Iranian officials.

    Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani wrote to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council, asking them to condemn Trump’s “unlawful threats” against Iran. Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said that U.S. interference “causes chaos in the entire region and harms U.S. interests.”

    These protests are the largest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody led to nationwide protests. However, these protests so far have not been as widespread or intense as those that followed Amini’s death, which happened after she was detained for not wearing her hijab as authorities required.

    Foreign Powers Were Pushing the Protests – Khamenei

    In a speech in Tehran, Khamenei spoke about the protests in Iran over the collapsing rial. He tried to draw a line between the protesting Iranians, who are concerned about the economy, and what he called “rioters.”

    “We need to talk to protesters; officials must engage with them,” Khamenei said. “But there’s no point in talking to rioters. They need to be dealt with.”

    He repeated a claim often made by Iranian officials, saying foreign powers like Israel and the U.S. are encouraging the protests, but he provided no proof. He also blamed “the enemy” for the drop in the rial.

    “A group incited or hired by the enemy is encouraging shopkeepers and tradesmen to chant slogans against Islam, Iran, and the Islamic Republic,” he said. “This is what really matters.”

    Khamenei also stated that the U.S. “must and will leave” the region.

    “With the determination of the nations in the region, America must and will exit this area,” he declared.

    Economic Downturn

    Iran’s civilian government, led by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, has been trying to convey its willingness to negotiate with protesters. However, Pezeshkian has acknowledged the limitations on his ability to act, as Iran’s rial has rapidly depreciated, which initially sparked the protests.

    The recent protests are driven by economic issues. Demonstrators are expressing their dissatisfaction with the government and have clashed in several cities. These clashes have led to multiple deaths and many arrests, according to Iranian authorities.

    Since the war with Israel in June, during which the U.S. bombed nuclear sites in Iran, Tehran has struggled to stabilize its economy.

    Recently, Iran announced that it is no longer enriching uranium at any of its sites, signaling to the West its openness to potential negotiations regarding its nuclear program in an effort to ease sanctions.

    However, these talks have yet to materialize, as U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have threatened Tehran over both its nuclear and missile programs.

  • 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.