Venezuela: 'Does US care, are they here to help, or are sins of US playing out in their backyard'?

María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stated that Nicolás Maduro's political downfall is inevitable, emphasizing that the transition to a new political era in Venezuela is irreversible. This declaration followed her perilous escape from Venezuela, aided by U.S. support, and her recent public appearance in Oslo, Norway, where she received the Nobel Prize.

Immigration agents in the U.S. are increasingly arresting Afghan asylum seekers, particularly men awaiting court hearings, creating a climate of fear among recent arrivals. An example is Amir, who was detained after being pulled over while driving home from an English class in Bloomington, Indiana. This trend raises concerns about the safety of Afghan nationals in the U.S.

Bryan Stern, a U.S. special forces veteran, led a perilous night mission to help Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado escape from Venezuela. The operation involved navigating through treacherous waters and military checkpoints, ultimately allowing her to reach Norway after a long and dangerous journey.

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump, which is part of a broader pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro's regime. The White House announced that the tanker will be brought to a U.S. port, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, the world No 1, suffered a 0.5-1.5 defeat against US veteran Levon Aronian in the final of the Freestyle Grand Slam Tour held in Cape Town. Despite this loss, Carlsen secured overall victory in the five-event Tour, earning a prize of approximately $500,000.

The United States has proposed a plan that envisions Ukraine joining the European Union by January 2027, as stated by a senior official amid intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia. Concurrently, Ukraine has reported regaining control of two settlements in the Kharkiv region and pushing back Russian forces in Kupiansk, a strategic railway hub.

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by the White House, which stated that the vessel will be brought to a U.S. port. This operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's government, which has been facing international sanctions and condemnation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid escalating tensions with the United States, particularly following a recent military buildup by the U.S. in the Caribbean region. This support comes as the U.S. has intensified its pressure campaign against Maduro's regime, including the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast.