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US seizes Venezuelan oil tanker — bold escalation in pressure on Maduro

U.S. forces boarded and seized a Venezuelan tanker in a major escalation aimed at choking revenue to Nicolás Maduro’s regime while the White House slapped sanctions on Maduro’s associates and warned more tanker seizures could follow

Number

£185 billion - Amount EU leaders are preparing to tap from frozen Russian assets to underwrite a loan to Ukraine

Quote

"I stand here today with my head held high and I will continue to fight" — Kilmar Abrego Garcia

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24 Hours

US seizes Venezuelan oil tanker — military boards vessel

U.S. forces intercepted and seized a Venezuelan tanker in a major escalation of pressure on Caracas. Washington has paired military action with sanctions to choke revenue streams tied to the Maduro regime.

Nobel winner Machado smuggled out through ten checkpoints

Detailed accounts have surfaced of how Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado escaped. The rescue highlights covert exfiltration tactics and international pressure around Maduro's hold on power.

Trump says Venezuela land operations could start pretty soon

President Trump signaled the possibility of offensive operations on Venezuelan soil, escalating rhetoric after the tanker seizure. The comment adds to acute regional tensions and wariness among international partners.

Putin offers solidarity with Venezuelan people after US seizure

Russia publicly backed Maduro following U.S. actions, deepening geopolitical polarisation. Moscow's statements signal potential diplomatic and material support as Washington presses Caracas.

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Washington state faces historic floods — evacuations ordered

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Federal judge bars ICE from re detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia

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How spoofing hid a Venezuelan tanker for years before US seized it

Investigations reveal how a rogue tanker evaded detection for years and why the vessel was a strategic target. Analysts say shadow fleet practices left Maduro reliant on stealthy shipping to move oil.

EU prepares to use £185 billion of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine loan

EU leaders are considering using frozen Russian central bank assets to underwrite a large loan to Ukraine, setting off legal pushback from Moscow. Russia has launched lawsuits to block moves to repurpose those funds.

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Ukraine says it retakes parts of Kupiansk encircling troops

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Germany summons Russian envoy over alleged sabotage and cyberattacks

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Beijing prepares its own $70 billion chips act to boost domestic fabs

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OpenAI upgrades to GPT 5.2 as model battle intensifies

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Senate rejects bills to blunt sharp health insurance premium hikes

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New bill proposes term limits for Supreme Court justices

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Trump grants full pardon to convicted elections clerk Tina Peters

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Iran arrests Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi at memorial event

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"For years, Democrats ignored Violent and Vicious Crime of all shapes, sizes, colors, and types. Violent Criminals who should have been locked up were allowed to attack again. Democrats were also far too happy to let in the worst from the worst countries so they could rip off American Taxpayers. Democrats only think there is one crime –…"