Venezuela oil exports reportedly fall sharply after US seizure of tanker

Two people were killed and eight others critically injured in a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, as confirmed by the city's mayor. The suspect involved in the incident is currently at large, prompting an ongoing police investigation.

Ana Corina Sosa, daughter of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, has reflected on her mother's recent escape from Venezuela and the implications for their future. Maria Corina Machado, who has been in hiding due to safety concerns under the Maduro regime, recently accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, which her daughter accepted on her behalf in Oslo.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado undertook a perilous escape from Venezuela to Norway, fearing for her life during the journey, which was reportedly supported by the United States. This escape was crucial for her to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony where she was honored for her efforts in promoting peace and democracy in Venezuela.

Belarus has released 123 prisoners, including prominent opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that led to the lifting of sanctions against the country. This significant move marks a potential shift in Belarus's international relations and its approach to political dissent.

The Cuban foreign ministry has condemned the U.S. military's seizure of the Skipper oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, labeling the act as 'piracy' and 'maritime terrorism.' This operation, which reportedly involved the capture of 1.1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, is seen as a violation of international law and a direct attack on Cuba's economic interests, particularly its access to Venezuelan hydrocarbons.

Belarus has pardoned 123 prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, as part of a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against the country. This significant move marks a potential thaw in relations between Belarus and the U.S.

Oil exports from Venezuela have come to a standstill following the U.S. military's seizure of an oil tanker off its coast, which was confirmed by President Donald Trump. This operation is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, with shipping data indicating a significant drop in oil exports since the incident.

Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, following a US-brokered deal that also involved a partial lifting of Western sanctions against the country. This significant move was confirmed by rights groups and state media on December 13, 2025.