Two Venezuelan exiles wounded in ‘targeted’ shooting in Colombia

Australia's national football team, the Socceroos, faced a setback with a 1-0 loss to Venezuela, highlighting the need for head coach Tony Popovic to reintegrate key players ahead of their upcoming match against Colombia in New York. The match featured three debutants, marking a significant moment in the team's evolution as they prepare for their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance. Popovic's focus on the future is evident, but the defeat raises concerns about the team's readiness.

Senior Trump administration officials have held three meetings at the White House this week to discuss options for possible military operations in Venezuela, amid a growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. President Donald Trump has deployed F-35 aircraft, warships, and a nuclear submarine to the region as part of a military buildup following two months of deadly strikes against boats off Venezuela. Earlier this week, the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier strike group moved into the Latin America region, bringing with it more than 75 military aircraft and over 5,000 troops.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has finalized a $4.3 billion deal for the purchase of 17 fighter jets. He stated that the acquisition is intended as a 'deterrent weapon to achieve peace' in light of the current 'messy' geopolitical situation in the region.

The US has confirmed that four people were killed in the 20th strike on a vessel in the Caribbean. This incident has raised concerns as US officials reportedly hold meetings to discuss potential military operations in Venezuela.

The opinion piece argues that Venezuelan leaders Nicolás Maduro and Hugo Chávez are responsible for the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, rather than attributing blame to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The article emphasizes the internal factors that have led to the current situation in the country.

Venezuela's authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro, has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid leading the country into an Afghanistan-style 'forever war.' This plea comes amid a significant military buildup in the region, including the arrival of the USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier. Trump's defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has stated intentions to eliminate 'narco-terrorists' from the Americas, raising concerns about potential military action against Venezuela.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has condemned Donald Trump as a 'barbarian' following Trump's military strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. Petro's remarks reflect a strong disapproval of Trump's actions, which he views as aggressive and harmful. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding drug trafficking and international military interventions in the region.

The US has announced a new military taskforce aimed at combating drug cartels, coinciding with rising tensions with Venezuela. This operation is part of a broader strategy to address narcoterrorism in the region.