Home Blog Page 183

Trump authorizes CIA operations in Venezuela, escalating pressure on Maduro

By
admin
-
0

Washington (BN24) – President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro’s government and pursue regime change.

The directive, first reported by The New York Times and later acknowledged by Trump during remarks in the Oval Office, marks a rare public admission of a classified action. According to officials cited by the newspaper, the authorization gives the CIA broad powers to conduct lethal operations inside Venezuela and throughout the Caribbean, as part of a strategy to remove Maduro from power. The Trump administration has also offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction on drug trafficking charges.

Trump justified the authorization by citing drug trafficking and what he described as Venezuela’s release of prisoners who later entered the United States. “I authorized for two reasons really,” Trump told reporters. “Number one, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America… they came in through the border. They came in because we had an open border. And the other thing are drugs.” Trump did not provide evidence for his claims.

The president said the United States has made progress intercepting drug shipments by sea and that new operations will focus on land routes. “We are looking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” he said. The White House declined to elaborate on the scope or specific targets of the CIA operations, and Reuters was unable to independently verify the details of the directive.

The CIA’s involvement in Latin America has deep historical roots, ranging from direct paramilitary interventions during the Cold War to intelligence-gathering missions. The agency was instrumental in toppling major cocaine trafficking empires in the late 20th century and has conducted long-running covert operations in Mexico to track high-value drug traffickers.

Venezuela’s government condemned Trump’s remarks, calling the U.S. authorization a violation of international law and accusing Washington of pursuing a “regime change” agenda aimed at seizing the country’s oil resources. “Our Permanent Mission to the UN will raise this complaint with the Security Council and the Secretary-General tomorrow, demanding accountability from the United States government,” Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a statement on Telegram.

Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuela of being a major hub for fentanyl trafficking, though U.S. records show that Mexico remains the main source of the drug. Asked why the U.S. Coast Guard was not used to intercept suspected smuggling vessels, Trump dismissed such operations as “politically correct” and ineffective. He declined to say whether the CIA has the authority to target Maduro personally, stating only: “I think Venezuela is feeling heat.”

Under Trump’s direction, the United States has deployed a large military buildup in the southern Caribbean and carried out at least five strikes on vessels the administration has described as drug trafficking operations, though evidence has not been made public. The Pentagon recently told Congress that Trump determined the United States is engaged in “a non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels, a legally significant designation.

Trump also accused Venezuela of releasing prisoners, including individuals from mental health institutions, into the United States, though he did not specify how they entered the country. Venezuela’s Information Ministry and representatives for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The administration’s limited disclosure of the operations has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including some Republicans. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that the U.S. was being moved “closer to outright conflict.” “The American people deserve to know if the Administration is leading the U.S. into another conflict, putting service members at risk or pursuing a regime-change operation,” she said.

U.S. drops out of World’s Most Powerful Passport top 10 for first time

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

NEW YORK (BN24)— The United States passport has fallen out of the top 10 most powerful passports for the first time since the Henley Passport Index began 20 years ago, signaling a shift in global travel mobility.

The index, compiled by global citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners with data from the International Air Transport Association, ranks passports by the number of destinations their holders can enter visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. The U.S. passport is now tied for 12th place with Malaysia, offering access to 180 of 227 destinations tracked worldwide.

Leading the rankings are Asian passports, with Singapore in first place at 193 visa-free destinations, followed by South Korea with 190, and Japan with 189.

The U.S. passport’s decline follows several international policy changes affecting visa arrangements. Brazil withdrew visa-free entry for U.S. citizens in April, citing a lack of reciprocity. China expanded visa exemptions for several European countries but excluded the U.S., and countries such as Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Somalia, and Vietnam introduced new restrictions or visa policies limiting U.S. travel mobility.

Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, said the decline “signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics.” He added that “nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.” The United Kingdom also dropped two places to eighth, its lowest ranking ever.

Other nations have improved their positions. China has risen sharply from 94th place in 2015 to 64th this year, while the United Arab Emirates climbed 34 places over the past decade to eighth place.

Afghanistan remains last on the list, ranked 106th, with visa-free access to just 24 destinations.

The drop in the U.S. ranking also reflects a disparity in visa policies: While Americans can visit 180 countries without a visa, the U.S. allows only 46 nationalities visa-free entry. This gap is among the widest in the world and has fueled demand for alternative citizenship and residency options among Americans.

Despite the shift, experts say the practical difference for most travelers remains small. The Henley Passport Index is one of several tools measuring passport strength, with Arton Capital’s Passport Index naming the UAE the most powerful passport in 2025.

As global travel policies evolve, the U.S. passport’s slip out of the top 10 underscores changing dynamics in international travel and diplomacy.

IMF raises Nigeria’s 2025 growth forecast to 3.9% amid economic reforms, oil gains

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

WASHINGTON (BN24) — The International Monetary Fund has revised upward its economic growth forecast for Nigeria, projecting the West African nation’s GDP will expand by 3.9% in 2025, with growth expected to accelerate to 4.1% in 2026. The update, published in the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook during its Annual Meetings in Washington, reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic trajectory under ongoing fiscal and structural reforms.

The IMF attributed the improved outlook to a combination of higher oil production, rising investor confidence, exchange rate stabilization, and broader domestic policy shifts. Nigeria’s enhanced position comes in contrast to the global trend, where the Fund expects economic growth to slow from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026 amid rising trade protectionism and waning temporary growth drivers.

“Whereas growth in Nigeria is revised upward on account of supportive domestic factors, including higher oil production, improved investor confidence, and a supportive fiscal stance in 2026, many other economies see significant downward revisions because of the changing international trade and official aid landscape,” IMF Economic Counsellor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said during a press briefing on the report.

He pointed to Nigeria’s limited exposure to the effects of rising U.S. tariffs and the country’s stable foreign reserves as contributing factors. The ongoing rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product also bolstered the Fund’s optimism.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso welcomed the IMF’s outlook, citing reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as key to restructuring the economy. Speaking during the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) briefing, Cardoso emphasized Nigeria’s evolving trade dynamics and currency competitiveness.

“We now have a more competitive currency and, for once, a positive balance of trade surplus expected to remain around six percent of GDP,” Cardoso said. “The economy is witnessing a shift from import dependency to domestic production and export growth.”

He noted that the fiscal and monetary reforms have helped reduce the economy’s vulnerability to global disruptions, including tariff tensions.

The IMF report underscored the broader challenges facing the global economy, including declining growth in advanced economies, which are forecast to hover around 1.5% in the coming years. While emerging and developing economies are projected to grow above 4%, downside risks persist due to protectionist policies, geopolitical tensions, and labor market disruptions.

“The global economy has shown resilience to trade policy shocks, but the drag from shifting policies is becoming visible,” the report stated. “Suboptimal reallocation of resources and technological decoupling may restrain growth in the years ahead.”

Petya Koeva Brooks, IMF Deputy Research Director, said growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to remain stable at 4.1% in 2025, edging up to 4.4% in 2026. She noted Nigeria’s upward revision sets it apart as a leading growth prospect in the region.

The Fund urged governments worldwide to pursue credible and sustainable policies, rebuild fiscal buffers, and maintain the independence of central banks to safeguard long-term growth prospects.

Trump threatens to pull World Cup matches from Boston-area venue over city unrest

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

WASHINGTON (BN24) — U.S President on Tuesday threatened to remove World Cup games scheduled for suburban Boston, citing civil unrest in the area and taking aim at the city’s mayor.

Foxborough, Massachusetts, home to Gillette Stadium and the NFL’s New England Patriots, is slated to host matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting alongside Mexico and Canada. The venue is one of several across North America chosen for the 104-match tournament.

During comments made while meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump criticized Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, a Democrat, describing her as “intelligent” but “radical left.” He went on to suggest that World Cup matches could be relocated from the region.

“We could take them away,” Trump said of the matches scheduled for Foxborough. “I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.”

Trump did not provide specific details but claimed that “they’re taking over parts of Boston,” implying civil disorder. He added, “We could get them back in about two seconds.”

The president’s remarks come amid broader national tensions around domestic protests and public safety. Earlier this month, a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Boston Common turned violent, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries to at least four police officers.

Trump has previously suggested he may intervene in World Cup planning by declaring certain cities “not safe” for the tournament. FIFA finalized the match locations in 2022, selecting major NFL stadiums in metropolitan areas, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston’s neighboring town of Foxborough.

The Trump administration had previously deployed National Guard troops to cities such as Washington and Memphis, and attempts to extend that deployment to Chicago and Portland led to legal disputes.

It remains unclear whether Trump, currently campaigning for a return to the White House in 2024, could legally alter FIFA’s hosting commitments, which were made in coordination with U.S. Soccer and international partners.

FIFA and U.S. Soccer have not publicly responded to Trump’s comments.

Influencer and her daughter found dead in Rio de Janeiro apartment after neighbors report strange smell

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

RIO DE JANEIRO (BN24) — A 33-year-old influencer and her 15-year-old daughter found dead in their apartment in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro after neighbors reported a suspicious odor coming from the residence, according to multiple local reports.

The bodies of Lidiane Aline Lorenço, a model and social media personality, and her daughter Miana Sophya Santos were discovered on Friday, October 10, after several days of their unexplained absence. Authorities were alerted when neighbors in the building noticed a strange smell emanating from the apartment. Local police, along with the fire department, responded to the scene and made the grim discovery.

Upon entering the apartment, officers found Miana’s body in the living room and her mother’s body in one of the bedrooms. The two were reported to have been missing for five days, raising concerns among family and friends who had not heard from them during that time.

Initial reports from local outlet G1, citing the Barra da Tijuca police department (16th DP), stated that no signs of violence or external injuries were found on either of the bodies. A forensic examination of the apartment also revealed no signs of a struggle or forced entry. The Civil Police confirmed in a statement that while autopsies were conducted, the cause of death has not yet been determined. Authorities indicated that additional tests would be carried out to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Despite the lack of visible signs of trauma, the deaths of Lorenço and Miana remain unexplained. Local authorities are actively investigating the case, though it is not yet clear whether foul play is involved or if other factors may have contributed to the tragedy. As of now, investigators have not ruled out any potential causes, including possible accidental death or a natural event.

Lorenço, who had over 54,000 followers on Instagram, was a well-known figure in Brazil’s influencer and modeling scene. She was also a medical student at a private university in Rio de Janeiro, according to her social media profiles and local reports. Lorenço had moved to Rio over five years ago, and Miana was reported to have recently moved in with her mother. Both were originally from Santa Cecília, a town in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.

In the days before the discovery, neighbors had not seen the pair for an extended period, which led to growing concern. Lorenço’s followers and friends on social media expressed their shock and sadness over her sudden disappearance and death. Family members also confirmed on social media that they had been unable to reach the mother and daughter for several days, which prompted the call to local authorities.

Funeral services for Lorenço and Miana took place on Sunday, October 12, at the Santa Cecília Municipal Cemetery in their hometown, Santa Cecília. Their deaths have drawn widespread media attention, with local outlets reporting extensively on the investigation.

A spokesman for the Civil Police told UOL Notícias that the investigation is ongoing. “We are conducting a thorough examination of all evidence available and will continue to explore all possibilities,” the spokesman said. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage from the building to identify any potential leads.

Lorenço’s death has raised concerns over the safety of influencers, particularly in the digital age, where online fame can sometimes bring unforeseen risks. Friends and followers alike have expressed their heartfelt condolences, remembering her not just for her social media presence but for her academic pursuits and ambitions as a medical student.

As of now, police continue to gather information, and updates on the case are expected in the coming days as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the deaths of this mother and daughter.

Ronaldo becomes all-time leading scorer in World Cup Qualifiers

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

BUDAPEST, Hungary (BN24) — Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his legendary career Tuesday, becoming the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches after netting twice in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary.

Ronaldo, 40, scored his 40th and 41st goals in World Cup qualifiers, surpassing former Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz, who held the previous record of 39 goals scored between 1998 and 2016.

The Portugal captain equalized in the 22nd minute, converting a cross from Nelson Semedo. He added a second before halftime, finishing from close range after a pass by Nuno Mendes, giving Portugal a 2-1 lead.

Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai scored a stoppage-time equalizer, delaying Portugal’s bid to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which the United States, Mexico, and Canada will jointly host.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, already holds the record for most international goals in men’s football. His tally now stands at 143 in 205 appearances. He has expressed hope of playing in a record sixth World Cup, which would make him the first male player to do so.

Despite the result, Ronaldo’s latest achievement underscores his longevity and enduring impact at the international level, nearly two decades after his World Cup debut in 2006.

Portugal remains in a strong position to qualify, but will have to wait for future fixtures to confirm their place in the expanded 48-team tournament.

Red Cross receives remains of 2 additional Hamas hostages amid identification confusion and ceasefire tensions

By
admin
-
0

The Red Cross received the remains of two more Hamas hostages Wednesday, hours after the Israeli military said one of the bodies previously turned over was not that of a hostage held in Gaza, adding to tensions over the fragile truce that has paused the two-year war.

The Israeli military said the International Committee of the Red Cross received the remains, which were to be transferred to Israeli forces in Gaza. Military officials said earlier Wednesday that forensic testing showed “the fourth body handed over to Israel by Hamas does not match any of the hostages.” There was no immediate word on whose body it was.

The confusion over identification complicated implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. As part of the deal, four bodies of hostages were handed over by Hamas on Tuesday, following four on Monday that were returned hours after the last twenty living hostages were released from Gaza. In all, Israel has been awaiting the return of the bodies of twenty-eight hostages.

Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry said it received forty-five more bodies of Palestinians from Israel, another step in implementation of the ceasefire agreement. That brings to ninety the total number of bodies returned to Gaza for burial. The forensics team examining the remains said they showed signs of mistreatment.

Sameh Hamad, a member of a commission tasked with receiving the bodies at Khan Younis’ Nasser Hospital, said some arrived with their hands and legs cuffed. “There are signs of torture and executions,” he told The Associated Press.

The bodies belonged to men ages twenty-five to seventy, Hamad said. Most had bands on their necks, including one that had a rope around the neck. Most of the bodies wore civilian clothing, but some were in uniforms, suggesting they were militants.

Hamad said the Red Cross provided names for only three of the dead, leaving many families uncertain of their relatives’ fate. The fighting has killed nearly sixty-eight thousand Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government in Gaza. The ministry maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.

Thousands more people are missing, according to the Red Cross and Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.

As forensic teams examined the first remains returned, the Health Ministry on Wednesday released images of thirty-two unidentified bodies to help families recognize missing relatives. Many appeared decomposed or burned. Some were missing limbs or teeth, while others were coated in sand and dust. Health officials have said Israeli restrictions on allowing DNA testing equipment into Gaza have often forced morgues to rely on physical features and clothing for identification.

Rasmiya Qudeih, fifty-two, waited outside Nasser Hospital, hoping her son would be among the forty-five bodies transferred from Israel on Wednesday. He vanished on October 7, 2023, the day of the Hamas-led attack that triggered the war. She was told he was killed by an Israeli strike. “God willing, he will be with the bodies,” she said.

In exchange for the release of the hostages, Israel freed around two thousand Palestinian prisoners and detainees Monday.

Israel is expected to turn over more bodies, though officials have not said how many are in its custody or how many will be returned. It is unclear whether the remains belong to Palestinians who died in Israeli custody or were taken from Gaza by Israeli troops. Throughout the war, Israel’s military has exhumed bodies as part of its search for the remains of hostages.

The ceasefire plan introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump had called for all hostages, living and dead, to be handed over by a deadline that expired Monday. However, under the deal, if that did not happen, Hamas was to share information about deceased hostages and try to hand them over as soon as possible.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel “will not compromise” and demanded that Hamas fulfill the requirements laid out in the ceasefire deal about the return of hostages’ bodies.

Trump, in an interview with CNN, warned that Israel could resume the war if he feels Hamas is not upholding its end of the agreement. “Israel will return to those streets as soon as I say the word,” Trump said.

Hamas’ armed wing said in a statement Wednesday that the group honored the ceasefire’s terms and handed over the remains of the hostages it had access to. Hamas and the Red Cross have said that recovering the remains of dead hostages was a challenge because of Gaza’s vast destruction, and Hamas has told mediators that some are in areas controlled by Israeli troops.

Two hostages whose bodies were released from Gaza were being buried Wednesday.

This is not the first time Hamas has returned a wrong body to Israel. During a previous ceasefire, the group said it handed over the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her two sons, among those taken in Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, in which some twelve hundred people were killed and two hundred fifty-one abducted. Testing in February 2025 showed that one of the bodies returned was identified as a Palestinian woman. Bibas’ body was returned a day later.

The World Food Program said its trucks began arriving in Gaza after the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza was paused for two days due to the exchange on Monday and a Jewish holiday Tuesday.

The timing of the scaled-up deliveries, which are part of the ceasefire deal, had been called into question after Israel said Tuesday that it would cut the number of trucks allowed into Gaza, saying Hamas was too slow to return the hostages’ bodies.

Abeer Etefa, spokesperson for the World Food Program, lauded the trucks’ passage but said the situation remained unpredictable. “We’re hopeful that access will improve in the coming days,” she said.

The Egyptian Red Crescent said four hundred trucks carrying food, fuel and medical supplies were bound for Gaza on Wednesday. COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, declined to comment on the number of trucks expected to enter Gaza on Wednesday.

“Throughout this crisis, we have insisted that withholding aid from civilians is not a bargaining chip,” U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said in a statement.

The confusion over body identification and the discovery of apparent mistreatment of Palestinian remains in Israeli custody have complicated what was already a tenuous ceasefire implementation. The exchange of remains represents one of the most sensitive aspects of the agreement, with families on both sides desperate for closure after more than two years of conflict.

Associated Press original story

Raila Odinga, former Kenyan prime minister and political titan, dies at 80

By
admin
-
0

Nairobi (BN24) – Raila Odinga, the former prime minister of Kenya and a towering figure in African politics whose populist campaigns reshaped his country’s political landscape for decades, died Wednesday at age 80 while traveling in India.

Odinga suffered a fatal heart attack during a morning walk in Kerala State, India, according to Devamatha Hospital, where he was rushed after collapsing. The hospital said in a statement that he suffered a cardiac arrest and did not respond to resuscitation efforts. His death marks the end of an era for Kenya, where Odinga remained a powerful voice even outside of elected office.

A perennial presidential contender, Odinga ran five times over three decades, coming closest to winning in 2007 when he narrowly lost to then-President Mwai Kibaki in a deeply disputed election. The official results — 46% for Kibaki and 44% for Odinga — remain the tightest in Kenyan history. The disputed outcome led to widespread ethnic violence, exposing deep divisions within the country’s political system.

Odinga, a member of the Luo ethnic group from western Kenya’s Nyanza province, built his political career by positioning himself as a champion of democratic reform. He was instrumental in pushing Kenya from a one-party state to a multiparty democracy in the 1990s. His activism, charisma, and grassroots appeal earned him a devoted following across the country.

His campaigns were marked by his ability to unite political rivals and tribal kingpins. In 2007, he emerged as the rallying figure for several key groups, drawing unprecedented crowds to his campaign rallies. Many observers at the time believed he was poised to take the presidency.

Although Kibaki’s administration had delivered solid economic growth during its first term, corruption scandals and political fatigue made his government vulnerable. The disputed election result led to unrest that shocked the nation. Later, the head of the electoral authority admitted he was uncertain whether Kibaki had actually won.

Despite never becoming president, Odinga maintained significant influence over Kenyan politics. Most recently, he signed a political pact with President William Ruto that integrated his opposition party into the government, giving it a role in key policymaking and cabinet appointments.

Odinga’s death leaves a void in Kenya’s political arena. Revered by many as a statesman and reformist, he was seen as both a challenger of entrenched systems and a unifying figure who bridged political divides.

Madagascar’s military takes power, says colonel

By
Simeon Bateren
-
0

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (BN24) — Madagascar’s military declared it had taken control of the country on Tuesday after lawmakers impeached President Andry Rajoelina and he fled the country amid mounting youth-led protests and growing defections within the armed forces.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led a recent mutiny, announced the power shift in a national radio broadcast, stating the military had assumed authority and would suspend key state institutions, except the National Assembly. “We have taken the power,” he said, adding that the armed forces would oversee a transitional government for up to two years before holding elections.

Randrianirina, a commander in the elite CAPSAT unit instrumental in Rajoelina’s own 2009 coup, broke with the president last week. He said the new ruling committee would govern alongside a transitional administration.

A statement issued by military leaders confirmed the suspension of several major institutions, including the Senate, the High Constitutional Court, the electoral commission, the High Court of Justice, and the High Council for the Defense of Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

The 51-year-old Rajoelina, whose whereabouts remain unknown, had earlier attempted to dissolve the lower house by decree. Lawmakers moved ahead regardless, voting to impeach him and sparking a constitutional crisis. That deadlock paved the way for the military to act.

In a defiant address the night before the takeover, Rajoelina insisted he had relocated for safety due to threats to his life. Multiple sources, including an opposition leader, a military official, and a foreign diplomat, confirmed he left Madagascar aboard a French military plane on Sunday.

Even his ruling coalition, which held a majority in parliament, turned against him, with members supporting the impeachment on grounds of “activities incompatible with presidential duties.” In recent days, Rajoelina had warned of an ongoing coup attempt.

Protests first erupted on September 25, triggered by shortages of water and electricity, but quickly evolved into a broader uprising against government corruption, poor services, and mismanagement. Madagascar’s predominantly young population fueled the movement—more than 75% of its 30 million citizens live in poverty, with an average age under 20.

Thousands took to the streets Tuesday at Antananarivo’s central 13 May Square, waving Malagasy flags and banners. Many bore the skull-and-crossbones symbol popularized by the “One Piece” anime, a signature emblem of the Gen Z-led protests. Chants accusing Rajoelina of serving French interests echoed through the colonial-era boulevards.

Randrianirina appeared before the crowd during the demonstration, asking if they were ready to accept military rule. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

“We’re so happy Andry Rajoelina is finally gone,” said high school student Fih Nomensanahary, celebrating with friends. Others expressed concern about the military’s next steps. “They need to hand over to a civilian administration quickly and have an election,” said Rezafy Lova, a 68-year-old IT consultant.

In the days leading up to the takeover, CAPSAT forces refused to fire on protesters and declared solidarity with them. The unit later installed a new army chief, prompting Rajoelina to accuse the military of staging an illegal power grab. The paramilitary gendarmerie and national police also broke ranks, leaving the president increasingly isolated.

Rajoelina, who originally rose to power through a military-backed coup, now finds himself ousted similarly, amid deepening economic despair. According to the World Bank, Madagascar’s GDP per capita has dropped 45% since independence in 1960.

US strike off Venezuela kills 6 in alleged drug boat attack, Trump says

By
admin
-
0

Washington (BN24) – The United States conducted a strike on a boat off the coast of Venezuela on Tuesday, killing six suspected drug traffickers, President Donald Trump said, marking the latest in a series of aggressive operations targeting narcoterrorist networks in the region.

Trump announced the strike in a post on Truth Social, calling the targeted vessel part of a “designated terrorist organization.” He did not identify the group or provide specific details about the mission.

“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks,” Trump said. He offered no supporting evidence for the claim.

A 30-second video posted by Trump appeared to show a stationary vessel in open water being struck by a projectile and erupting in a fiery explosion.

The operation reflects Trump’s growing use of U.S. military power in unconventional ways, including deploying active-duty troops in Los Angeles and launching counter-terrorism missions against suspected drug traffickers. The strike off Venezuela is the latest escalation in what Trump has described as a campaign to disrupt criminal organizations operating across international waters.

U.S. officials have not yet released additional information about the identities of those killed or the specific legal authority used to conduct the strike. The incident underscores the increasingly blurred line between counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics operations under Trump’s leadership.

1...182183184...996Page 183 of 996