US jets tracked circling Gulf of Venezuela as tensions mount

Three Americans, including two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter, were killed in an ambush by the Islamic State in Palmyra, Syria. This incident marks a significant escalation in U.S. military involvement in the region, prompting Washington to blame ISIL for the attack and promise retaliation.

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating fentanyl as a 'weapon of mass destruction,' reflecting his administration's ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling in the United States. This label is part of a broader trend of using militarized language to address the opioid crisis and drug trafficking issues.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a deal to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is now 'closer than ever' following recent talks in Berlin with European leaders. The discussions focused on providing robust security guarantees for Ukraine amid its ongoing tensions with Russia.

The government of Trinidad and Tobago announced it will grant the US military access to its airports in the coming weeks amid rising tensions between the US and Venezuela. Authorities clarified that a newly installed US radar in Tobago is intended for crime-fighting purposes and not for launching attacks.

The recent peace talks in Berlin involving US, Ukrainian, and European leaders focused on establishing security guarantees for Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia. While discussions were deemed positive, critical issues regarding territorial concessions remain unresolved, leaving the path to peace uncertain.

A JetBlue passenger plane took evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision with a US Air Force aircraft flying with its transponder turned off near Venezuela. The incident occurred during the flight's ascent, raising significant safety concerns as the military aircraft crossed its path, complicating air traffic control communications.

European leaders proposed a US-backed force as part of robust security guarantees for Ukraine during talks in Berlin, aiming to prevent further Russian aggression following the 2022 invasion. Ukrainian President Zelensky noted progress in discussions with US envoys, despite ongoing challenges regarding territorial concessions.

European leaders have expressed readiness to lead a 'multinational force' in Ukraine as part of a US-backed peace initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. This proposal was discussed during a recent meeting in Berlin, where leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and other nations emphasized the need for a coalition to support Ukraine's military capabilities and secure its airspace.