For the third time in 13 years,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;on Friday will slash&nbsp;zeroes off its inflation-battered currency, the bolivar. This time, it will shed six zeroes, for a total of 14&nbsp;since 2008.

With that, a million bolivars will overnight become one&nbsp;still the equivalent of about 25 US dollar cents.

Venezuela's central bank announced the move last month to simplify transactions, with consumers scrambling to make payment for even the most basic goods or services.

Seven one-million bolivar notes the highest denomination and very hard to come by -- are required to pay in cash for one loaf of bread in the once-rich oil-producing nation now battling the highest inflation in the world.

Venezuela's GDP has plummeted by 80 percent since 2013 as the oil price crashed and output dwindled during decades of under-investment and mismanagement by successive socialist governments.

Teacher Marelys Guerrero, 43, is one of the many Venezuelans who receives a salary in the millions of bolivars that are worth nothing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-economic-crisis-over-three-quarters-live-in-extreme-poverty-417155">Also read |&nbsp;Venezuela economic crisis: Over three-quarters live in extreme poverty</a>

"We earn, fortnightly, less than $3," she told AFP in Caracas.&nbsp;

Rent for an apartment in a modest suburb of the capital starts from about $150, while a basket of basic groceries for a family of five costs about $220.

Most payments in bolivars are done by debit card or bank transfer, but seventy percent of transactions are now conducted in dollars, according to private sector estimates, and prices on many shop shelves are displayed in the US currency, to keep things simpler.

'I'll buy your dollar!'

On Friday,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;becomes the South American country to have removed the most zeroes from its currency. It lost three in 2008 under now-deceased President Hugo Chavez, whose successor Nicolas Maduro eliminated five more in 2018.

The bolivar is now worth so little that children use it for play money.

In&nbsp;Venezuela's border regions, besides the dollar, it is common to also pay for goods in Colombian pesos or Brazilian reais, and even grams of gold.

In the rest of the country, cash is used almost exclusively for purchasing public transport tickets, but even this presents a headache as notes are scarce and can only be obtained by standing in long queues at the bank.

"I'll buy your dollar!" -- children with thick wads of bolivar bills yell at buses that, along with bus stops, have become informal currency exchange offices.&nbsp;

"We pay one dollar for four million bolivars. The fare costs two million," said William Hernandez, a 56-year-old bus driver.

The government will issue new banknotes in denominations of five, 10, 20, 50 and 100 bolivars, as well as a one-bolivar coin after Friday's change.

But the government has also said that it wants the economy to become entirely digital, a move, experts say, is meant to avoid printing money that will just continue devaluing.

"If inflation behaves as it has in recent months, it is very likely that in about three or four years the government will have to reconvert again," Luis Arturo Barcenas of economic consultancy Ecoanalitica told AFP.

'It's a relief'

The bolivar has lost nearly all its value in just over a decade,&nbsp;shedding almost 73 percent in 2021 alone.

The country's annual budget of 115 billion bolivars in 2007, then the equivalent of $50 billion,&nbsp;if held in bolivars, would be worth less than a dollar today.

Venezuela&nbsp;is battling its eight year of recession as well as hyperinflation that reached nearly 3,000 percent in 2020 and more than 9,500 percent the year before, according to central bank figures.

Ecoanalitica expects the number to hit 1,600 for 2021.

In May, the government tripled the minimum monthly wage but the new amount was not enough even to buy a kilogram of meat.

Three in four Venezuelans today live in extreme poverty, according to an academic study published Wednesday, with the economic collapse was worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Millions have left the country in recent years to try their luck elsewhere, but many have ended up as refugees.

While consumers like Guerrero fear Friday's readjustment of the bolivar could further squash their pocket with shopkeepers rounding up prices, others like Caracas accountant Rodrigo Bermudez welcome the change.

"It’s a relief... The number of digits was making everything very cumbersome," he told AFP, showing an invoice with too many zeroes to make any sense of.

For the third time in 13 years, Venezuela on Friday will slash zeroes off its inflation-battered currency, the bolivar. This time, it will shed six zeroes, for a total of 14 since 2008.

For the third time in 13 years, Venezuela on Friday will slash zeroes off its inflation-battered currency, the bolivar. This time, it will shed six zeroes, for a total of 14 since 2008. With that, a million bolivars will overnight become one still the equivalent of about 25 US dollar cents. Venezuela's central bank announced the move last month to simplify transactions, with consumers scrambling to make payment for even the most basic goods or services. Seven one-million bolivar notes the highest denomination and very hard to come by -- are required to pay in cash for one loaf of bread in the once-rich oil-producing nation now battling the highest inflation in the world. Venezuela's GDP has plummeted by 80 percent since 2013 as the oil price crashed and output dwindled during decades of under-investment and mismanagement by successive socialist governments. Teacher Marelys Guerrero, 43, is one of the many Venezuelans who receives a salary in the millions of bolivars that are worth nothing. Also read | Venezuela economic crisis: Over three-quarters live in extreme poverty "We earn, fortnightly, less than $3," she told AFP in Caracas. Rent for an apartment in a modest suburb of the capital starts from about $150, while a basket of basic groceries for a family of five costs about $220. Most payments in bolivars are done by debit card or bank transfer, but seventy percent of transactions are now conducted in dollars, according to private sector estimates, and prices on many shop shelves are displayed in the US currency, to keep things simpler. 'I'll buy your dollar!' On Friday, Venezuela becomes the South American country to have removed the most zeroes from its currency. It lost three in 2008 under now-deceased President Hugo Chavez, whose successor Nicolas Maduro eliminated five more in 2018. The bolivar is now worth so little that children use it for play money. In Venezuela's border regions, besides the dollar, it is common to also pay for goods in Colombian pesos or Brazilian reais, and even grams of gold. In the rest of the country, cash is used almost exclusively for purchasing public transport tickets, but even this presents a headache as notes are scarce and can only be obtained by standing in long queues at the bank. "I'll buy your dollar!" -- children with thick wads of bolivar bills yell at buses that, along with bus stops, have become informal currency exchange offices. "We pay one dollar for four million bolivars. The fare costs two million," said William Hernandez, a 56-year-old bus driver. The government will issue new banknotes in denominations of five, 10, 20, 50 and 100 bolivars, as well as a one-bolivar coin after Friday's change. But the government has also said that it wants the economy to become entirely digital, a move, experts say, is meant to avoid printing money that will just continue devaluing. "If inflation behaves as it has in recent months, it is very likely that in about three or four years the government will have to reconvert again," Luis Arturo Barcenas of economic consultancy Ecoanalitica told AFP. 'It's a relief' The bolivar has lost nearly all its value in just over a decade, shedding almost 73 percent in 2021 alone. The country's annual budget of 115 billion bolivars in 2007, then the equivalent of $50 billion, if held in bolivars, would be worth less than a dollar today. Venezuela is battling its eight year of recession as well as hyperinflation that reached nearly 3,000 percent in 2020 and more than 9,500 percent the year before, according to central bank figures. Ecoanalitica expects the number to hit 1,600 for 2021. In May, the government tripled the minimum monthly wage but the new amount was not enough even to buy a kilogram of meat. Three in four Venezuelans today live in extreme poverty, according to an academic study published Wednesday, with the economic collapse was worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. Millions have left the country in recent years to try their luck elsewhere, but many have ended up as refugees. While consumers like Guerrero fear Friday's readjustment of the bolivar could further squash their pocket with shopkeepers rounding up prices, others like Caracas accountant Rodrigo Bermudez welcome the change. "It’s a relief... The number of digits was making everything very cumbersome," he told AFP, showing an invoice with too many zeroes to make any sense of.

A million bolivars become one as Venezuela recalibrates battered currency

As per the latest research published on Wednesday, more than 75% of Venezuelans are now living in extreme poverty.

Reuters reports that the number of Venezuelans living in extreme poverty increased by about ten percentage points from last year, from 67.7% to 76.6 percent this year, according to the 2020-2021 National Survey of Living Conditions.

According to the study, which was conducted by researchers from Andres Bello Catholic University and surveyed 14,000 homes in 21 of the country's 23 states between February and April, around 95 percent of the population lives in poverty.&nbsp;

Fuel shortages, COVID-19, and a lack of job possibilities are all issues that contribute to such extreme poverty.

The research comes as the country is in the midst of a political and economic crisis that includes shortages of key goods such as medication and food, hyperinflation, and a lack of electricity.

According to Reuters, others claim that the country's economy has been mismanaged, which is to blame for the current situation.

President Nicolás Maduro's administration has blamed U.S. sanctions for the country's problems.&nbsp;

However, the United States has continued to provide financial aid to the country, including a recent $336 million investment in humanitarian and economic aid.

Since 2017, the US has provided more than $1.9 billion in financial aid to the country, according to the State Department.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As per the latest research published on Wednesday, more than 75% of Venezuelans are now living in extreme poverty. Reuters reports that the number of Venezuelans living in extreme poverty increased by about ten percentage points from last year, from 67.

As per the latest research published on Wednesday, more than 75% of Venezuelans are now living in extreme poverty. Reuters reports that the number of Venezuelans living in extreme poverty increased by about ten percentage points from last year, from 67.7% to 76.6 percent this year, according to the 2020-2021 National Survey of Living Conditions. According to the study, which was conducted by researchers from Andres Bello Catholic University and surveyed 14,000 homes in 21 of the country's 23 states between February and April, around 95 percent of the population lives in poverty. Fuel shortages, COVID-19, and a lack of job possibilities are all issues that contribute to such extreme poverty. The research comes as the country is in the midst of a political and economic crisis that includes shortages of key goods such as medication and food, hyperinflation, and a lack of electricity. According to Reuters, others claim that the country's economy has been mismanaged, which is to blame for the current situation. President Nicolás Maduro's administration has blamed U.S. sanctions for the country's problems. However, the United States has continued to provide financial aid to the country, including a recent $336 million investment in humanitarian and economic aid. Since 2017, the US has provided more than $1.9 billion in financial aid to the country, according to the State Department. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela economic crisis: Over three-quarters live in extreme poverty

One firebolt after another illuminates a stilt-house settlement where the Catatumbo river flows into Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo, the lightning capital of the world.

Holder of the Guinness World Record as the place with the highest concentration of lightning, South America's largest lake receives an average of 233 flashes per square kilometer every year, according to NASA -- thousands per night.

A scientific and tourist curiosity, for the water-logged communities of Zulia state in Venezuela's northwest the phenomenon is known as the Catatumbo "lighthouse" which for centuries has helped them navigate their boats through the darkness.

There is no thunder, just lightning -- a silent spectacle to be enjoyed about 300 nights per year, peaking in September.

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On clear nights, the flashes paint striking patterns across the Milky Way in a sky so full of stars one does not need a telescope for constellation gazing.

Some are so fast they escape the human eye. Some zigzag more leisurely through the sky, or collide with other bolts.

In a boon for stargazers but a harsh reality for locals, the near nightly display is made all the more spectacular by the almost complete absence of light pollution.

There is no electrical grid here, and the few generators that still work are idle due to a critical lack of fuel occasioned by Venezuela's economic crisis.

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Only rarely is there the faint glow of a small home generator, or a beam from a fisherman's flashlight.

The foreign visitors who used to come to Zulia have been staying away due to the global coronavirus pandemic and Venezuela's economic problems.

Oblivious to the scientific interest in the phenomenon, Marianela Romera -- a fisherwoman of 40 whose worn face makes her look much older -- says that the lightning "shows us where to go."

NASA says Lake Maracaibo has a unique geography and climate ideal for the development of thunderstorms.

Located along part of the Andes mountains, storms form at night as the cool mountain breeze clashes with the warm, moist air over the lake.

One firebolt after another illuminates a stilt-house settlement where the Catatumbo river flows into Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo, the lightning capital of the world.

One firebolt after another illuminates a stilt-house settlement where the Catatumbo river flows into Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo, the lightning capital of the world. Holder of the Guinness World Record as the place with the highest concentration of lightning, South America's largest lake receives an average of 233 flashes per square kilometer every year, according to NASA -- thousands per night. A scientific and tourist curiosity, for the water-logged communities of Zulia state in Venezuela's northwest the phenomenon is known as the Catatumbo "lighthouse" which for centuries has helped them navigate their boats through the darkness. There is no thunder, just lightning -- a silent spectacle to be enjoyed about 300 nights per year, peaking in September. Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck not following each other on Instagram On clear nights, the flashes paint striking patterns across the Milky Way in a sky so full of stars one does not need a telescope for constellation gazing. Some are so fast they escape the human eye. Some zigzag more leisurely through the sky, or collide with other bolts. In a boon for stargazers but a harsh reality for locals, the near nightly display is made all the more spectacular by the almost complete absence of light pollution. There is no electrical grid here, and the few generators that still work are idle due to a critical lack of fuel occasioned by Venezuela's economic crisis. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie now fight over their French wedding venue Uma Thurman reveals she had an abortion as a teenager, slams Texas law Only rarely is there the faint glow of a small home generator, or a beam from a fisherman's flashlight. The foreign visitors who used to come to Zulia have been staying away due to the global coronavirus pandemic and Venezuela's economic problems. Oblivious to the scientific interest in the phenomenon, Marianela Romera -- a fisherwoman of 40 whose worn face makes her look much older -- says that the lightning "shows us where to go." NASA says Lake Maracaibo has a unique geography and climate ideal for the development of thunderstorms. Located along part of the Andes mountains, storms form at night as the cool mountain breeze clashes with the warm, moist air over the lake.

Lake Maracaibo, lightning capital of the world

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition began a round of talks on Friday in Mexico City aimed at overcoming Venezuela's acute political and economic crisis, which has caused millions to flee the Latin American nation. 
 
Unlike previous negotiation efforts, the talks will include more than a dozen countries, among them the Netherlands, Russia, Bolivia, Turkey and Norway, which will act as the facilitator. 
 
At the National Museum of Anthropology, the parties agreed to a memorandum of understanding containing the road map that will guide the dialogue process. 
 
For the talks to advance to a potential agreement, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demands that sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe on officials and institutions be lifted. Venezuela says the sanctions are responsible for the OPEC member's economic crisis. 
 
For its part, the opposition coalition calls to allow humanitarian aid, including vaccines against COVID-19, to enter into Venezuela; the release of dozens of supporters whom it considers "political prisoners;" and guarantees it will be allowed to participate in regional elections in November. 
 
"We already know what we do not agree on. ... The job now is to find points of confluence to guarantee the future and the happiness of the people of Venezuela," Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's parliament, said at the beginning of the talks. 
 
The return to the negotiating table represents a turnaround for the opposition, which in the past accused Maduro of using dialogue to buy time and defuse international pressure. The Venezuelan government abandoned the 2019 dialogue, which took place in Barbados and Norway, after the United States tightened sanctions. 
 
"Today we are beginning the second stage of a negotiation process that we know will be complex, which will surely have very difficult moments," said Gerardo Blyde, chair of the Venezuelan opposition delegation. 
 
"Between these two sidewalks where each party supports narratives that seem diametrically opposed is a street full of hopeless and suffering citizens, our people," he added.

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition began a round of talks on Friday in Mexico City aimed at overcoming Venezuela's acute political and economic crisis, which has caused millions to flee the Latin American nation.

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition began a round of talks on Friday in Mexico City aimed at overcoming Venezuela's acute political and economic crisis, which has caused millions to flee the Latin American nation. Unlike previous negotiation efforts, the talks will include more than a dozen countries, among them the Netherlands, Russia, Bolivia, Turkey and Norway, which will act as the facilitator. At the National Museum of Anthropology, the parties agreed to a memorandum of understanding containing the road map that will guide the dialogue process. For the talks to advance to a potential agreement, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demands that sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe on officials and institutions be lifted. Venezuela says the sanctions are responsible for the OPEC member's economic crisis. For its part, the opposition coalition calls to allow humanitarian aid, including vaccines against COVID-19, to enter into Venezuela; the release of dozens of supporters whom it considers "political prisoners;" and guarantees it will be allowed to participate in regional elections in November. "We already know what we do not agree on. ... The job now is to find points of confluence to guarantee the future and the happiness of the people of Venezuela," Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's parliament, said at the beginning of the talks. The return to the negotiating table represents a turnaround for the opposition, which in the past accused Maduro of using dialogue to buy time and defuse international pressure. The Venezuelan government abandoned the 2019 dialogue, which took place in Barbados and Norway, after the United States tightened sanctions. "Today we are beginning the second stage of a negotiation process that we know will be complex, which will surely have very difficult moments," said Gerardo Blyde, chair of the Venezuelan opposition delegation. "Between these two sidewalks where each party supports narratives that seem diametrically opposed is a street full of hopeless and suffering citizens, our people," he added.

Venezuelan government and opposition talks open in Mexico City

As hyperinflation continues to plague Venezuela, the country has said that it will make a million-to-1 change in its currency soon, eliminating six zeros from prices in the local currency.

Venezuela to make a million-to-1 change in its currency soon

Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative "in the coming days," President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday, potentially speeding up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers. 
 
The announcement comes after the GAVI alliance, which co-runs the facility along with the World Health Organization (WHO), said in early July that COVAX had received payments from the South American country after Venezuelan officials said some payments were blocked by a bank due to US&nbsp;sanctions. 
 
Maduro had given COVAX an "ultimatum" to send the doses or return the funds Venezuela has already paid. 
 
Venezuela will receive doses of China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines through the initiative, according to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional arm of the WHO. The country has so far been administering Sinopharm, Russia's Sputnik-V, and Cuba's Abdala vaccines. 
 
The country of some 28 million inhabitants has reported 305,766 cases and 3,591 deaths, official data show. It had administered some 2.2 million doses as of July 14, according to PAHO. Reuters data show Venezuela has fully vaccinated 3.9% of the population, among the lowest rates in Latin America.

Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative "in the coming days," President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday, potentially speeding up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers.

Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative "in the coming days," President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday, potentially speeding up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers. The announcement comes after the GAVI alliance, which co-runs the facility along with the World Health Organization (WHO), said in early July that COVAX had received payments from the South American country after Venezuelan officials said some payments were blocked by a bank due to US sanctions. Maduro had given COVAX an "ultimatum" to send the doses or return the funds Venezuela has already paid. Venezuela will receive doses of China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines through the initiative, according to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional arm of the WHO. The country has so far been administering Sinopharm, Russia's Sputnik-V, and Cuba's Abdala vaccines. The country of some 28 million inhabitants has reported 305,766 cases and 3,591 deaths, official data show. It had administered some 2.2 million doses as of July 14, according to PAHO. Reuters data show Venezuela has fully vaccinated 3.9% of the population, among the lowest rates in Latin America.

Venezuela to receive COVAX vaccines in coming days, Maduro says

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US&nbsp;military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation." 
 
Venezuela, whose socialist government is under heavy sanctions from Washington, has on several occasions in recent years reported alleged airspace violations. 
 
It said that on Thursday evening, a C-17 plane from the US&nbsp;Air Force flew over the Perija mountains in western Zulia state for three minutes. 
 
"They are performing reconnaissance tasks on Venezuelan geophysical space, and thus we do not rule out other possible hostile actions that violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Venezuelan armed forces said in a statement. 
 
The US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Washington accuses President Nicolas Maduro of corruption, human rights violations and rigging his 2018 re-election, and has pressured him to step down.

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation.

Venezuela's armed forces said on Friday that a US military plane violated its airspace along the South American country's border with Colombia in what it said was a "flagrant provocation." Venezuela, whose socialist government is under heavy sanctions from Washington, has on several occasions in recent years reported alleged airspace violations. It said that on Thursday evening, a C-17 plane from the US Air Force flew over the Perija mountains in western Zulia state for three minutes. "They are performing reconnaissance tasks on Venezuelan geophysical space, and thus we do not rule out other possible hostile actions that violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Venezuelan armed forces said in a statement. The US State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Washington accuses President Nicolas Maduro of corruption, human rights violations and rigging his 2018 re-election, and has pressured him to step down.

Venezuela says US military plane violated its airspace

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic.&nbsp;

According to two US defence officials familiar with the ships' movements said, the ships’ position indicates they are likely headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russia's Navy Day events.&nbsp;

For about two months, the Pentagon has been monitoring the movement of the ships as they took round near the southern tip of Africa and appeared set to cross the Atlantic for Venezuela.&nbsp;

The concern of the Pentagon officials was the introduction of Iranian weapons into the Western Hemisphere through the possible delivery of weapons to Venezuela.&nbsp;

The ships, which were off the coast of West Africa in mid-June, began to inch north instead of crossing the Atlantic.&nbsp;

After the US imposed diplomatic pressure on the regime of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela was forced to turn away the Iranian ships, said two officials at the time.&nbsp;

Not just this, diplomatic pressure was also put by the US on other countries along the route of the Iranian vessels, such as Senegal.&nbsp;

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic.

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic. According to two US defence officials familiar with the ships' movements said, the ships’ position indicates they are likely headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russia's Navy Day events. For about two months, the Pentagon has been monitoring the movement of the ships as they took round near the southern tip of Africa and appeared set to cross the Atlantic for Venezuela. The concern of the Pentagon officials was the introduction of Iranian weapons into the Western Hemisphere through the possible delivery of weapons to Venezuela. The ships, which were off the coast of West Africa in mid-June, began to inch north instead of crossing the Atlantic. After the US imposed diplomatic pressure on the regime of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela was forced to turn away the Iranian ships, said two officials at the time. Not just this, diplomatic pressure was also put by the US on other countries along the route of the Iranian vessels, such as Senegal.

Earlier Venezuela, now two Iranian ships appear to reach St Petersburg

On July 07, Haiti President, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-wife-injured-world-leaders-pay-tribute-396479">Jovenel Moise</a>, was assassinated in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, while his wife survived the attack.

While the assassination was a shock, its connection to the city of Miami has not come as a surprise. The Miami-Florida connection of major criminals has been infamous for several years.

This time, too, the main suspect of Moise’s assassination, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, is a Haitian with a strong connection to the Miami area. Another detainee is a Haitian-American and the security firm, Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy (CTU), which has been accused of recruiting these criminals, is also reportedly based in the area near the Miami International airport.

<h3>Operation Gideon</h3>

While the Haitian authorities were busy nabbing the assassinators, the world worked on finding the similarities between this assassination and the raid on Venezuela in May 2020.

In late 2019, a former US army sergeant, Jordan Gourdreau, turned his Miami apartment into the headquarters of Operation Gideon. The 43-year-old used his years of experience as a green beret in Iraq and Afghanistan and mapped out a plan to overthrow and kidnap Venezuela’s President,&nbsp;Nicolás Maduro.

However, his dreams of carrying out a successful coup fell apart very soon and he found himself, along with his partner, being paraded by the Venezuelan authorities in the streets, to set an example. Reportedly, eight people were killed and more than 100 were arrested for this unsuccessful coup attempt.

The Haiti President’s assassination also played out close to the heart of the US' crime city.

<h3>Miami’s power-hungry groups</h3>

As years after years, Miami pops up in the investigations against such assassinations and coups, it makes one wonder what is it about Miami that leads all investigators back to this infamous and unlabelled ‘sin city’.

Miami, in general, has a lot of exile communities who have been dreaming about overthrowing the government of their home country and returning back to their beloved homeland. Add to that a large population of retired, military veterans experienced in areas of Latin America and the Caribbean, and a long history of corrupt politics — and you have the perfect recipe of mercenary missions.

The exile communities in the area operate in an autonomous fashion. These communities have their own internal leadership that holds more local power than the officially elected government. In addition to having their own political governance, communities also run their own radio stations and media houses that run their own agenda.&nbsp; This, in turn, affects voting in the official elections, too. For example, the existence of the Cuban and Venezuelan diaspora had played a huge part in swinging votes to Trump from Florida in the 2016 and 2020 US elections.

As many experts say, Miami is an area full of people aching to return to their homeland but on their own conditions and under their rule.

The coast from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, till West palm Beach is dominantly populated by Latin American states, mainly by Cuban, Haitian and Venezuelan communities. While the Cubans reside in areas of Little Havana, Haiti communities populate area towards the north and the area near Doral is mainly populated by Venezuelans.

<h3>Private security firms</h3>

In recent years, several private security firms have sprouted across South Florida. There are several private security firms being run by the former US special forces who are hoping to find a comfortable yet meaningful retirement in the area.

The firm which has been named for helping in the Haitian president’s assassination was also reported to having ties with the Miami security circle. However, these connections were not confirmed yet.

As per local media reports, the criminals had hoped to kidnap the deceased President and experts believe the plan was far worse than mere murder. However, the fact that the plan failed has only added chaos in the country, which was also suffering due to a staggering economy and dangerous pandemic.

Whether or not the connection to Miami was actually true is something that will soon be revealed in further investigations.

On July 07, Haiti President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, while his wife survived the attack. While the assassination was a shock, its connection to the city of Miami has not come as a surprise.

On July 07, Haiti President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, while his wife survived the attack. While the assassination was a shock, its connection to the city of Miami has not come as a surprise. The Miami-Florida connection of major criminals has been infamous for several years. This time, too, the main suspect of Moise’s assassination, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, is a Haitian with a strong connection to the Miami area. Another detainee is a Haitian-American and the security firm, Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy (CTU), which has been accused of recruiting these criminals, is also reportedly based in the area near the Miami International airport. Operation Gideon While the Haitian authorities were busy nabbing the assassinators, the world worked on finding the similarities between this assassination and the raid on Venezuela in May 2020. In late 2019, a former US army sergeant, Jordan Gourdreau, turned his Miami apartment into the headquarters of Operation Gideon. The 43-year-old used his years of experience as a green beret in Iraq and Afghanistan and mapped out a plan to overthrow and kidnap Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro. However, his dreams of carrying out a successful coup fell apart very soon and he found himself, along with his partner, being paraded by the Venezuelan authorities in the streets, to set an example. Reportedly, eight people were killed and more than 100 were arrested for this unsuccessful coup attempt. The Haiti President’s assassination also played out close to the heart of the US' crime city. Miami’s power-hungry groups As years after years, Miami pops up in the investigations against such assassinations and coups, it makes one wonder what is it about Miami that leads all investigators back to this infamous and unlabelled ‘sin city’. Miami, in general, has a lot of exile communities who have been dreaming about overthrowing the government of their home country and returning back to their beloved homeland. Add to that a large population of retired, military veterans experienced in areas of Latin America and the Caribbean, and a long history of corrupt politics — and you have the perfect recipe of mercenary missions. The exile communities in the area operate in an autonomous fashion. These communities have their own internal leadership that holds more local power than the officially elected government. In addition to having their own political governance, communities also run their own radio stations and media houses that run their own agenda. This, in turn, affects voting in the official elections, too. For example, the existence of the Cuban and Venezuelan diaspora had played a huge part in swinging votes to Trump from Florida in the 2016 and 2020 US elections. As many experts say, Miami is an area full of people aching to return to their homeland but on their own conditions and under their rule. The coast from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, till West palm Beach is dominantly populated by Latin American states, mainly by Cuban, Haitian and Venezuelan communities. While the Cubans reside in areas of Little Havana, Haiti communities populate area towards the north and the area near Doral is mainly populated by Venezuelans. Private security firms In recent years, several private security firms have sprouted across South Florida. There are several private security firms being run by the former US special forces who are hoping to find a comfortable yet meaningful retirement in the area. The firm which has been named for helping in the Haitian president’s assassination was also reported to having ties with the Miami security circle. However, these connections were not confirmed yet. As per local media reports, the criminals had hoped to kidnap the deceased President and experts believe the plan was far worse than mere murder. However, the fact that the plan failed has only added chaos in the country, which was also suffering due to a staggering economy and dangerous pandemic. Whether or not the connection to Miami was actually true is something that will soon be revealed in further investigations.

Exile headquarters: Why is Miami the 'hotbed' of Latin American assassinations and coup?

In this week's clashes between police and a gang in northwestern Caracas,&nbsp;at least 26 people have died and 38 are injured, Venezuelan Interior Minister Carmen Melendez&nbsp;said&nbsp;on Saturday. The victims include&nbsp;four officers.

This count has come up as the area has been witnessing&nbsp;heavy gunfire, which has forced&nbsp;some capital residents to flee homes along with traffic snarls in several neighbourhoods.

In the crime-stricken city,&nbsp;the authorities try to push back on what analysts describe as a gang's effort to expand its territory beyond the Cota 905 barrio.

Minister&nbsp;said 10 officers were injured in the clashes and&nbsp;22 'criminals' died. Around&nbsp;28 'civilians', a reference to residents not suspected to be gang members, were injured and that some civilians died, though she did not specify how many and did not provide further details. 
 
Human rights activists said this week that four people were killed by stray bullets during the clashes. Activists and the political opposition have for years accused President Nicolas Maduro's government of disregarding and covering up civilian casualties in anti-crime raids. 
 
They have also criticised pacts the socialist government signed with some gangs to create no-go areas for police in certain neighborhoods in a bid to lower violence, arguing the so-called 'peace zones' allowed gangs to consolidate power and resources. 
 
"While civilians and police were murdered, western Caracas lived in fear for two days, and Venezuelans are fleeing the conflict, the dictatorship put on a show,"&nbsp;said opposition leader Juan Guaido. 
 
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, speaking alongside Melendez on state television, alleged the gang that controls Cota 905 was linked to some opposition politicians, without providing evidence. She added that three alleged members of 'Colombian paramilitary' groups were detained in connection to the raids. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In this week's clashes between police and a gang in northwestern Caracas, at least 26 people have died and 38 are injured, Venezuelan Interior Minister Carmen Melendez said on Saturday.

In this week's clashes between police and a gang in northwestern Caracas, at least 26 people have died and 38 are injured, Venezuelan Interior Minister Carmen Melendez said on Saturday. The victims include four officers. This count has come up as the area has been witnessing heavy gunfire, which has forced some capital residents to flee homes along with traffic snarls in several neighbourhoods. In the crime-stricken city, the authorities try to push back on what analysts describe as a gang's effort to expand its territory beyond the Cota 905 barrio. Minister said 10 officers were injured in the clashes and 22 'criminals' died. Around 28 'civilians', a reference to residents not suspected to be gang members, were injured and that some civilians died, though she did not specify how many and did not provide further details. Human rights activists said this week that four people were killed by stray bullets during the clashes. Activists and the political opposition have for years accused President Nicolas Maduro's government of disregarding and covering up civilian casualties in anti-crime raids. They have also criticised pacts the socialist government signed with some gangs to create no-go areas for police in certain neighborhoods in a bid to lower violence, arguing the so-called 'peace zones' allowed gangs to consolidate power and resources. "While civilians and police were murdered, western Caracas lived in fear for two days, and Venezuelans are fleeing the conflict, the dictatorship put on a show," said opposition leader Juan Guaido. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, speaking alongside Melendez on state television, alleged the gang that controls Cota 905 was linked to some opposition politicians, without providing evidence. She added that three alleged members of 'Colombian paramilitary' groups were detained in connection to the raids. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela says clashes between police, gang leave 26 dead

Authorities in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;issued search warrants and offered&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;Thursday of up to $500,000&nbsp;for&nbsp;gang&nbsp;bosses fueling deadly clashes between armed bandits and security forces in the capital Caracas.

The biggest&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;were for three criminal&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;known by their aliases of "Koki," "El Galvis" and "El Vampi," while others had prices of between $20,000&nbsp;and $50,000&nbsp;placed on their heads.

Koki, real name Carlos Luis Revete, is a leader of the&nbsp;gang&nbsp;Cota 905, one of several involved in a fresh outbreak of running battles with police in the poorer neighborhoods of Caracas since Wednesday.

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Local media say a dozen people have been killed, including a number of bystanders.

Venezuela, once a wealthy oil-producing nation, is in its fourth year of hyperinflation and its eight year of recession.&nbsp;

It is one of the most violent countries on Earth, with heavily armed gangs rife in poor neighborhoods.

The&nbsp;rewards&nbsp;offered are astronomical sums in a country where the monthly minimum wage is about $2.50 -- not enough to buy a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of meat.

In 2020,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;registered 12,000&nbsp;violent deaths, according to the Venezuelan Violence Observatory. This is a rate of 45.6 per 100,000&nbsp;inhabitants -- seven times higher than the global average.

Authorities in Venezuela issued search warrants and offered rewards Thursday of up to $500,000 for gang bosses fueling deadly clashes between armed bandits and security forces in the capital Caracas.

Authorities in Venezuela issued search warrants and offered rewards Thursday of up to $500,000 for gang bosses fueling deadly clashes between armed bandits and security forces in the capital Caracas. The biggest rewards were for three criminal leaders known by their aliases of "Koki," "El Galvis" and "El Vampi," while others had prices of between $20,000 and $50,000 placed on their heads. Koki, real name Carlos Luis Revete, is a leader of the gang Cota 905, one of several involved in a fresh outbreak of running battles with police in the poorer neighborhoods of Caracas since Wednesday. Also read | Study shows COVID-19 origins reflect initial spread of SARS virus 17 years ago Local media say a dozen people have been killed, including a number of bystanders. Venezuela, once a wealthy oil-producing nation, is in its fourth year of hyperinflation and its eight year of recession. It is one of the most violent countries on Earth, with heavily armed gangs rife in poor neighborhoods. The rewards offered are astronomical sums in a country where the monthly minimum wage is about $2.50 -- not enough to buy a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of meat. In 2020, Venezuela registered 12,000 violent deaths, according to the Venezuelan Violence Observatory. This is a rate of 45.6 per 100,000 inhabitants -- seven times higher than the global average.

Venezuela offers $500,000 rewards for gang leaders

President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support &nbsp;for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido in a letter Monday even in the midst of efforts to resume negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro's government.&nbsp;

"Under your leadership&nbsp;and in coalition with civil society leaders you are preserving those ideals of freedom democracy and sovereignty," Biden wrote in a letter addressed to Guaido and sent through the Office of Venezuelan Affairs in neighboring Colombia, an official in that office told AFP.

The letter was sent on the occasion of the anniversary of Venezuela's independence, on July 5, 1811.

Biden said that Guaido is guiding his country "through a peaceful democratic transition of power."

Guaido is recognized by some 50 countries as Venezuela's interim leader as head of the National Assembly after Maduro declared victory in 2018 elections widely decried as fraudulent.

The administration of former US president Donald Trump imposed severe financial sanctions on Venezuela and its national oil company PDVSA in an unsuccessful effort to oust the leftist as Venezuela has plunged deeper into political, economic and humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-28-with-117-missing-396088">Also read |&nbsp;Florida building collapse: Death toll rises to 28, with 117 missing</a>

The United States and the European Union said in June, however, that they would be willing to renegotiate certain sanctions if the Venezuelans made strides toward "credible elections."

Guaido on Monday led rallies calling for new elections, after the main opposition parties boycotted the 2018 presidential election and the 2020 legislative elections.&nbsp;

Maduro is totally opposed to the idea as gubernatorial and mayoral elections are coming up in November.&nbsp;

Maduro on Friday accused the United States of plotting to assassinate him, rhetorically asking if Biden had approved a plan.&nbsp;

"Has Joe Biden signed off on Donald Trump's orders to bring a civil war to Venezuela and to kill us? Yes or no? I'm asking," he said, referring to a visit by CIA director William Burns and SouthCom chief Craig Faller to Colombia and Brazil.&nbsp;

Washington and Caracas broke off diplomatic relations in 2019 after the White House's recognition of Guaido's mandate.&nbsp;

The US embassy in Caracas is closed, with matters relating to the countries' relationship now handled at an office in Bogota.

President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido in a letter Monday even in the midst of efforts to resume negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro's government.

President Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido in a letter Monday even in the midst of efforts to resume negotiations with President Nicolas Maduro's government. "Under your leadership and in coalition with civil society leaders you are preserving those ideals of freedom democracy and sovereignty," Biden wrote in a letter addressed to Guaido and sent through the Office of Venezuelan Affairs in neighboring Colombia, an official in that office told AFP. The letter was sent on the occasion of the anniversary of Venezuela's independence, on July 5, 1811. Biden said that Guaido is guiding his country "through a peaceful democratic transition of power." Guaido is recognized by some 50 countries as Venezuela's interim leader as head of the National Assembly after Maduro declared victory in 2018 elections widely decried as fraudulent. The administration of former US president Donald Trump imposed severe financial sanctions on Venezuela and its national oil company PDVSA in an unsuccessful effort to oust the leftist as Venezuela has plunged deeper into political, economic and humanitarian crisis. Also read | Florida building collapse: Death toll rises to 28, with 117 missing The United States and the European Union said in June, however, that they would be willing to renegotiate certain sanctions if the Venezuelans made strides toward "credible elections." Guaido on Monday led rallies calling for new elections, after the main opposition parties boycotted the 2018 presidential election and the 2020 legislative elections. Maduro is totally opposed to the idea as gubernatorial and mayoral elections are coming up in November. Maduro on Friday accused the United States of plotting to assassinate him, rhetorically asking if Biden had approved a plan. "Has Joe Biden signed off on Donald Trump's orders to bring a civil war to Venezuela and to kill us? Yes or no? I'm asking," he said, referring to a visit by CIA director William Burns and SouthCom chief Craig Faller to Colombia and Brazil. Washington and Caracas broke off diplomatic relations in 2019 after the White House's recognition of Guaido's mandate. The US embassy in Caracas is closed, with matters relating to the countries' relationship now handled at an office in Bogota.

Biden reaffirms support for Venezuela opposition leader

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Sunday that the COVAX system will be given an ultimatum this week to provide the country's portion of coronavirus vaccines, even though all outstanding payments to the global vaccine-sharing plan have been made. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-freezes-venezuela-presidents-page-over-covid-misinformation-373606">Also read | Facebook freezes Venezuela president's page over Covid misinformation</a> 
 
Venezuelan officials had been directed to "give the COVAX system an ultimatum: they give us the vaccines or they give us the money back, period," Maduro said in a live interview on state television.

"The COVAX system has failed Venezuela," the president said. "They don't answer us."

COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (formerly the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organization (WHO). 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/almost-2000-venezuelan-refugees-murdered-in-colombia-in-five-years-ngo-says-393564">Also read | Almost 2,000 Venezuelan refugees murdered in Colombia in five years, NGO says</a> 
 
In June, COVAX informed Venezuela that UBS had blocked the previous four payments. He stated that the payments for the $120 million fees had already been made.

In February, Venezuela launched its first vaccination campaign, focusing on the health, law enforcement, and education sectors.

In late May, it broadened the effort to include anybody aged 60 and up.

At least 380,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccination have arrived in Venezuela since February 13, accounting for 3.8 per cent of the 10 million doses committed upon in December.

In March, the Chinese state-owned Sinopharm provided a batch of 500,000 doses of the Vero Cell vaccine to Venezuela.

Maduro announced the arrival of 1.3 million vaccines from China two months later without providing details.

According to official data, there have been more than 277,635 cases of the new coronavirus in Venezuela, with 3,190 deaths.

Due to a lack of testing and transparency, some experts believe the genuine numbers are greater.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Sunday that the COVAX system will be given an ultimatum this week to provide the country's portion of coronavirus vaccines, even though all outstanding payments to the global vaccine-sharing plan have been made.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Sunday that the COVAX system will be given an ultimatum this week to provide the country's portion of coronavirus vaccines, even though all outstanding payments to the global vaccine-sharing plan have been made. Also read | Facebook freezes Venezuela president's page over Covid misinformation Venezuelan officials had been directed to "give the COVAX system an ultimatum: they give us the vaccines or they give us the money back, period," Maduro said in a live interview on state television. "The COVAX system has failed Venezuela," the president said. "They don't answer us." COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (formerly the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Also read | Almost 2,000 Venezuelan refugees murdered in Colombia in five years, NGO says In June, COVAX informed Venezuela that UBS had blocked the previous four payments. He stated that the payments for the $120 million fees had already been made. In February, Venezuela launched its first vaccination campaign, focusing on the health, law enforcement, and education sectors. In late May, it broadened the effort to include anybody aged 60 and up. At least 380,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccination have arrived in Venezuela since February 13, accounting for 3.8 per cent of the 10 million doses committed upon in December. In March, the Chinese state-owned Sinopharm provided a batch of 500,000 doses of the Vero Cell vaccine to Venezuela. Maduro announced the arrival of 1.3 million vaccines from China two months later without providing details. According to official data, there have been more than 277,635 cases of the new coronavirus in Venezuela, with 3,190 deaths. Due to a lack of testing and transparency, some experts believe the genuine numbers are greater. (With inputs from agencies)

'Either send us the vaccines or give us our money back': Venezuela to COVAX

Three activists with Venezuelan rights group Fundaredes, which has lifted the lid on fighting near the border with Colombia, are facing criminal charges including "terrorism," their lawyer said Saturday.

Director Javier Tarazona and his colleagues Rafael Tarazona and Omar Garcia are accused of "treason, terrorism and incitement to hatred," lawyer Stefania Migliorini said in a video posted on social networks.

According to Fundaredes, the three were arrested Friday when they went to the public prosecutor's office in the northwestern city of Coro to file a complaint against "harassment and persecution" at the hands of police and intelligence agents.

They are now in preventive detention in Caracas, the group said.

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Fundaredes had alerted to the presence of Colombian dissident guerrillas on Venezuelan territory and criticized the response of the government, which it accused of harboring the fighters.

It reported on the fighting that broke out on March 21 before the government did. Clashes have since displaced thousands of civilians.

Venezuela does not name the armed groups it blames for the unrest, apart from calling them "terrorists" or linking them to drug trafficking or to Colombian President Ivan Duque.

However, security sources in Colombia say they are likely dissidents of the now-disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group, an analysis Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has conceded was possible.

Bogota has long accused Venezuela of shielding members of the FARC and armed rebel group ELN on its soil -- a charge Maduro denies.

Some FARC fighters who refused to join Colombia's peace process have continued their struggle, while also mixing with and battling drug traffickers.

Venezuela and Colombia, which share a 2,200-kilometer (1,370 miles) border, severed diplomatic ties in January 2019, after Bogota recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the leader of Venezuela over Maduro following a disputed election.

Three activists with Venezuelan rights group Fundaredes, which has lifted the lid on fighting near the border with Colombia, are facing criminal charges including "terrorism," their lawyer said Saturday.

Three activists with Venezuelan rights group Fundaredes, which has lifted the lid on fighting near the border with Colombia, are facing criminal charges including "terrorism," their lawyer said Saturday. Director Javier Tarazona and his colleagues Rafael Tarazona and Omar Garcia are accused of "treason, terrorism and incitement to hatred," lawyer Stefania Migliorini said in a video posted on social networks. According to Fundaredes, the three were arrested Friday when they went to the public prosecutor's office in the northwestern city of Coro to file a complaint against "harassment and persecution" at the hands of police and intelligence agents. They are now in preventive detention in Caracas, the group said. Also Read | Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses Fundaredes had alerted to the presence of Colombian dissident guerrillas on Venezuelan territory and criticized the response of the government, which it accused of harboring the fighters. It reported on the fighting that broke out on March 21 before the government did. Clashes have since displaced thousands of civilians. Venezuela does not name the armed groups it blames for the unrest, apart from calling them "terrorists" or linking them to drug trafficking or to Colombian President Ivan Duque. However, security sources in Colombia say they are likely dissidents of the now-disbanded Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group, an analysis Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has conceded was possible. Bogota has long accused Venezuela of shielding members of the FARC and armed rebel group ELN on its soil -- a charge Maduro denies. Some FARC fighters who refused to join Colombia's peace process have continued their struggle, while also mixing with and battling drug traffickers. Venezuela and Colombia, which share a 2,200-kilometer (1,370 miles) border, severed diplomatic ties in January 2019, after Bogota recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the leader of Venezuela over Maduro following a disputed election.

Venezuela activists charged with terrorism: Rights group

Ahymara Espinoza, a 36-year-old athlete made it to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and to repeat the achievement this year, she needs to stay under 32nd place in the shot put ranking.

Venezuelan athlete seeks the Olympic dream

At least 1,933 Venezuelan migrants were killed&nbsp;in&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;between 2015 and 2020, and another 836 are "considered missing," a Colombian NGO said Wednesday.&nbsp;

"While the national murder rate has been decreasing steadily... the murder rate of the Venezuelan population has grown and is 2.8 times higher," said Consultancy for Human Rights and Displacement (CODHES) in a report.

In a report on the situation based on official figures and complaints collected by the organization, the NGO said that "the irregular situation of a significant part of the population...has led them to face discrimination, xenophobia or stigmatization."&nbsp;

Nearly six million people have fled Venezuela, which has been in recession for eight years, and the country plunged into political crisis in January 2019 when opposition leader Juan Guaido, who was a parliamentary speaker at the time, declared himself acting president after Nicolas Maduro claimed a re-election victory widely condemned internationally as fraudulent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/john-mcafee-antivirus-software-creator-turned-fugitive-dies-by-hanging-in-spanish-jail-393513">Also Read |&nbsp;John McAfee, antivirus software creator turned fugitive, dies by hanging in Spanish jail</a>

Some 1.8 million of those Venezuelan refugees are in&nbsp;Colombia, which began granting official residency to almost a million of them in March.&nbsp;

The government hopes to deliver a document by the end of the year that gives undocumented migrants a period of 10 years to acquire a resident visa.&nbsp;

Colombia&nbsp;and Venezuela have no diplomatic relations and share a porous border of about 1,400 miles (2,200 kilometres).&nbsp;

The NGO also warned about the sexual violence being perpetrated against the migrant population: 2,319 Venezuelans, mostly underage girls, suffered sexual attacks between 2015 and 2020.

At least 1,933 Venezuelan migrants were killed in Colombia between 2015 and 2020, and another 836 are "considered missing," a Colombian NGO said Wednesday. "While the national murder rate has been decreasing steadily.

At least 1,933 Venezuelan migrants were killed in Colombia between 2015 and 2020, and another 836 are "considered missing," a Colombian NGO said Wednesday. "While the national murder rate has been decreasing steadily... the murder rate of the Venezuelan population has grown and is 2.8 times higher," said Consultancy for Human Rights and Displacement (CODHES) in a report. In a report on the situation based on official figures and complaints collected by the organization, the NGO said that "the irregular situation of a significant part of the population...has led them to face discrimination, xenophobia or stigmatization." Nearly six million people have fled Venezuela, which has been in recession for eight years, and the country plunged into political crisis in January 2019 when opposition leader Juan Guaido, who was a parliamentary speaker at the time, declared himself acting president after Nicolas Maduro claimed a re-election victory widely condemned internationally as fraudulent. Also Read | John McAfee, antivirus software creator turned fugitive, dies by hanging in Spanish jail Some 1.8 million of those Venezuelan refugees are in Colombia, which began granting official residency to almost a million of them in March. The government hopes to deliver a document by the end of the year that gives undocumented migrants a period of 10 years to acquire a resident visa. Colombia and Venezuela have no diplomatic relations and share a porous border of about 1,400 miles (2,200 kilometres). The NGO also warned about the sexual violence being perpetrated against the migrant population: 2,319 Venezuelans, mostly underage girls, suffered sexual attacks between 2015 and 2020.

Almost 2,000 Venezuelan refugees murdered in Colombia in five years, NGO says

A Venezuelan state governor, who once served as defence minister for former President Hugo Chavez has died, officials said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Gen Jorge Luis García Carneiro was 69.&nbsp;

The death was confirmed in a string of tweets from senior officials, including President Nicolás Maduro, who called him 'a friend, a brother for life’.&nbsp;

No cause was listed and García Carneiro himself had been active on social media sites in recent days, giving no sign of problems. He appeared with Maduro at an event on Thursday.&nbsp;

The general served as defence minister from January 2004 to July 2005 and also held other cabinet posts, as well as serving as governor of La Guaira state since 2008 for the governing socialist party.&nbsp;

He was among four Venezuelan governors sanctioned by the US.&nbsp;

Treasury Department in February 2019 for alleged 'endemic corruption' and blocking aid shipments backed by the US and domestic opposition.&nbsp;

He is survived by his wife and five children. &nbsp;

A Venezuelan state governor, who once served as defence minister for former President Hugo Chavez has died, officials said on Saturday. Gen Jorge Luis García Carneiro was 69.

A Venezuelan state governor, who once served as defence minister for former President Hugo Chavez has died, officials said on Saturday. Gen Jorge Luis García Carneiro was 69. The death was confirmed in a string of tweets from senior officials, including President Nicolás Maduro, who called him 'a friend, a brother for life’. No cause was listed and García Carneiro himself had been active on social media sites in recent days, giving no sign of problems. He appeared with Maduro at an event on Thursday. The general served as defence minister from January 2004 to July 2005 and also held other cabinet posts, as well as serving as governor of La Guaira state since 2008 for the governing socialist party. He was among four Venezuelan governors sanctioned by the US. Treasury Department in February 2019 for alleged 'endemic corruption' and blocking aid shipments backed by the US and domestic opposition. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Venezuelan governor, former defence minister, dies 

Venezuela this month will begin clinical trials of the Cuban coronavirus vaccine candidate&nbsp;Abdala, and plans to produce enough doses locally to vaccinate 4 million people, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Monday.

Cuba in March approved late-stage trials of&nbsp;Abdala, named after a poem by the 19th-century Cuban independence hero Jose Marti.

The trials of the protein subunit-based vaccine, which is designed to be administered in three shots at 14-day intervals, are to be completed in July and the first results published in August, according Cuban to state media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="WHO gives emergency use authorisation to Moderna's COVID-19 jab">WHO gives emergency use authorisation to Moderna's COVID-19 jab</a>

"We will be starting a clinical study with this vaccine, but simultaneously, adapting our national vaccine laboratory to produce, if all goes well as we hope, more than four million doses of&nbsp;Abdala&nbsp;vaccines for four million people," Alvarado told Venezuelan state television.

Alvarado spoke at Venezuela's main airport, where he announced that the country had received another 50,000 Russian Sputnik V vaccines.

Venezuela has now received a total of 1.48 million doses coronavirus vaccine doses, he said.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro expects to begin receiving vaccines from the global COVAX vaccine programme by July, he added, without saying which vaccines would be arriving.

Venezuela in March said it would not allow the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine following reports of blood clotting.

COVAX said in February that it had set aside up to 2.4 million AstraZeneca doses for Venezuela.

Venezuela this month will begin clinical trials of the Cuban coronavirus vaccine candidate Abdala, and plans to produce enough doses locally to vaccinate 4 million people, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Monday.

Venezuela this month will begin clinical trials of the Cuban coronavirus vaccine candidate Abdala, and plans to produce enough doses locally to vaccinate 4 million people, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Monday. Cuba in March approved late-stage trials of Abdala, named after a poem by the 19th-century Cuban independence hero Jose Marti. The trials of the protein subunit-based vaccine, which is designed to be administered in three shots at 14-day intervals, are to be completed in July and the first results published in August, according Cuban to state media. Also read: WHO gives emergency use authorisation to Moderna's COVID-19 jab "We will be starting a clinical study with this vaccine, but simultaneously, adapting our national vaccine laboratory to produce, if all goes well as we hope, more than four million doses of Abdala vaccines for four million people," Alvarado told Venezuelan state television. Alvarado spoke at Venezuela's main airport, where he announced that the country had received another 50,000 Russian Sputnik V vaccines. Venezuela has now received a total of 1.48 million doses coronavirus vaccine doses, he said. The government of President Nicolas Maduro expects to begin receiving vaccines from the global COVAX vaccine programme by July, he added, without saying which vaccines would be arriving. Venezuela in March said it would not allow the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine following reports of blood clotting. COVAX said in February that it had set aside up to 2.4 million AstraZeneca doses for Venezuela.

Venezuela to begin clinical trials of Cuba's Abdala vaccine candidate

Venezuela has released from jail six former executives of US-based refining company Citgo and put them on house arrest, a source familiar with the situation said on Friday, more than three years after they were arrested on corruption charges.&nbsp;

The officials were detained in November 2017 after being called into a meeting at the Caracas office of state oil company PDVSA, which owns Citgo. &nbsp;

The detention of the former executives, which includes five naturalised US citizens and one permanent resident, has been a major sticking point in tense relations between Caracas and Washington, which has repeatedly called for the men's release and called their detention unlawful.&nbsp;

The United States labels Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a dictator, and the former Trump administration imposed crippling sanctions on the OPEC nation's oil sector to try to force his ouster. The release of the six men comes as Maduro seeks to improve ties with US President Joe Biden's new administration.&nbsp;

A Venezuelan court in November sentenced the six former executives, who were accused of crimes including embezzlement, money laundering and conspiracy, to prison terms ranging from eight to 13 years.&nbsp;

The executives - Jose Pereira, Jose Luis Zambrano, Alirio Jose Zambrano, Jorge Toledo, Tomeu Vadell and Gustavo Cardenas - all denied the charges. &nbsp;

Neither Venezuela's Information Ministry nor its chief prosecutor's office immediately replied to a request for comment.&nbsp;

"I'm happy my brothers will sleep in a better place tonight, but the job is not finished until they are back home in the USA," Alirio Rafael Zambrano, the brother of Jose Luis Zambrano and Alirio Jose Zambrano, wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

The men had been granted house arrest in December 2019, but were moved back to prison at the Helicoide - as the headquarters of the Venezuelan intelligence agency Sebin is known - just months later, in February 2020, hours after President Donald Trump met with Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.&nbsp;

The United States recognises Guaido as Venezuela's rightful leader, accusing Maduro of rigging his 2018 re-election and using the justice system to stifle dissent. Maduro says Washington wants to control Venezuela's oil reserves and aims to oust him in a coup. &nbsp;

"This is a positive and important step that should help secure their wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak in Venezuela," said veteran US diplomat Bill Richardson, who has traveled to Caracas to help negotiate the men's release.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Venezuela has released from jail six former executives of US-based refining company Citgo and put them on house arrest, a source familiar with the situation said on Friday, more than three years after they were arrested on corruption charges.

Venezuela has released from jail six former executives of US-based refining company Citgo and put them on house arrest, a source familiar with the situation said on Friday, more than three years after they were arrested on corruption charges. The officials were detained in November 2017 after being called into a meeting at the Caracas office of state oil company PDVSA, which owns Citgo. The detention of the former executives, which includes five naturalised US citizens and one permanent resident, has been a major sticking point in tense relations between Caracas and Washington, which has repeatedly called for the men's release and called their detention unlawful. The United States labels Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a dictator, and the former Trump administration imposed crippling sanctions on the OPEC nation's oil sector to try to force his ouster. The release of the six men comes as Maduro seeks to improve ties with US President Joe Biden's new administration. A Venezuelan court in November sentenced the six former executives, who were accused of crimes including embezzlement, money laundering and conspiracy, to prison terms ranging from eight to 13 years. The executives - Jose Pereira, Jose Luis Zambrano, Alirio Jose Zambrano, Jorge Toledo, Tomeu Vadell and Gustavo Cardenas - all denied the charges. Neither Venezuela's Information Ministry nor its chief prosecutor's office immediately replied to a request for comment. "I'm happy my brothers will sleep in a better place tonight, but the job is not finished until they are back home in the USA," Alirio Rafael Zambrano, the brother of Jose Luis Zambrano and Alirio Jose Zambrano, wrote on Twitter. The men had been granted house arrest in December 2019, but were moved back to prison at the Helicoide - as the headquarters of the Venezuelan intelligence agency Sebin is known - just months later, in February 2020, hours after President Donald Trump met with Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido. The United States recognises Guaido as Venezuela's rightful leader, accusing Maduro of rigging his 2018 re-election and using the justice system to stifle dissent. Maduro says Washington wants to control Venezuela's oil reserves and aims to oust him in a coup. "This is a positive and important step that should help secure their wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak in Venezuela," said veteran US diplomat Bill Richardson, who has traveled to Caracas to help negotiate the men's release. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela releases former Citgo executives to house arrest: Source 

A rare show of unity brought together a divided Venezuela, as people came together ahead of the beatification of a local doctor known for treating the poor during the Spanish flu pandemic a century ago. Jorge Gregorio Hernandez, born in the Andean state of Trujillo in 1864, was known as the "doctor of the poor" for his care of the needy in Caracas during the Spanish flu pandemic. He died in 1919 after being struck by a car.

Divided Venezuela comes together for beatification of doctor

Venezuela's supreme court has awarded $13 million to top socialist party official Diosdado Cabello in a defamation case against a newspaper, but the paper’s lawyer said on Saturday, the outlet could not afford to pay. &nbsp;

Cabello, the second-highest ranking official in the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) after President Nicolas Maduro, sued the El Nacional newspaper in 2015 after it reprinted a Spanish newspaper article asserting US officials were investigating Cabello for alleged ties to drug trafficking.&nbsp;

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) on Friday ruled that El Nacional must pay damages to Cabello worth 237,000 petros, a digital currency launched by Maduro in 2018 tied to the price of oil. The petro's current value is $56, according to Venezuela's central bank. &nbsp;

Juan Garanton, an attorney for El Nacional, said in a telephone interview on Saturday that the paper would ask the court to clarify how it arrived at that figure, a first step toward potentially asking the court to lower the amount.&nbsp;

"It is an astronomical amount," Garanton said.&nbsp;

Cabello denies any links to drug trafficking. &nbsp;

Neither the PSUV, the court nor Venezuela's information ministry responded to requests for comment. &nbsp;

El Nacional is part-owned by prominent Madrid-based Venezuelan journalist Miguel Henrique Otero and other relatives of his late father, Miguel Otero Silva, one of Venezuela's most celebrated writers.&nbsp;

Opponents of Maduro's government accuse it of using the justice system to silence its critics, including in the media. The Caracas chapter of Venezuela's National College of Journalists on Saturday called the ruling 'a further step toward the liquidation of freedom of expression in Venezuela’.&nbsp;

Government officials frequently accuse independent media outlets of publishing false information as part of a campaign backed by the opposition and the United States to destabilise the government. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Venezuela's supreme court has awarded $13 million to top socialist party official Diosdado Cabello in a defamation case against a newspaper, but the paper’s lawyer said on Saturday, the outlet could not afford to pay.

Venezuela's supreme court has awarded $13 million to top socialist party official Diosdado Cabello in a defamation case against a newspaper, but the paper’s lawyer said on Saturday, the outlet could not afford to pay. Cabello, the second-highest ranking official in the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) after President Nicolas Maduro, sued the El Nacional newspaper in 2015 after it reprinted a Spanish newspaper article asserting US officials were investigating Cabello for alleged ties to drug trafficking. Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) on Friday ruled that El Nacional must pay damages to Cabello worth 237,000 petros, a digital currency launched by Maduro in 2018 tied to the price of oil. The petro's current value is $56, according to Venezuela's central bank. Juan Garanton, an attorney for El Nacional, said in a telephone interview on Saturday that the paper would ask the court to clarify how it arrived at that figure, a first step toward potentially asking the court to lower the amount. "It is an astronomical amount," Garanton said. Cabello denies any links to drug trafficking. Neither the PSUV, the court nor Venezuela's information ministry responded to requests for comment. El Nacional is part-owned by prominent Madrid-based Venezuelan journalist Miguel Henrique Otero and other relatives of his late father, Miguel Otero Silva, one of Venezuela's most celebrated writers. Opponents of Maduro's government accuse it of using the justice system to silence its critics, including in the media. The Caracas chapter of Venezuela's National College of Journalists on Saturday called the ruling 'a further step toward the liquidation of freedom of expression in Venezuela’. Government officials frequently accuse independent media outlets of publishing false information as part of a campaign backed by the opposition and the United States to destabilise the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan paper ordered to pay $13 million to official in defamation case 

Venezuela's government wants funds frozen in the United States to be put toward paying for coronavirus vaccines and will keep working with the opposition to negotiate this payment, the head of the government-controlled legislature said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido have for months been in talks with state officials to buy vaccines through the COVAX programme using funds frozen by the US Treasury as part of sanctions against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

Maduro over the weekend said his government had paid some $64 million to the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, spurring doubts as to whether the government would pull the plug on talks to use the frozen funds for the inoculation campaign.&nbsp;

Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly dominated by the ruling Socialist Party, said talks regarding the 'kidnapped' funds would continue.&nbsp;

"If more of the kidnapped resources are used, it would be to buy the vaccines that are needed via the (Pan American Health Organisation) and the (World Health Organisation)," Rodriguez said in a news conference.&nbsp;

In 2019, Washington froze $342 million held by the Venezuelan central bank in the United States, as part of a sanctions programme that sought to remove Maduro from power. &nbsp;

The funds were put under the control of opposition leader Guaido and the interim government he created, but moving them requires a license from the US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).&nbsp;

A working group created last year to ensure Venezuela's access to COVAX, which includes health ministry officials as well as advisers to Guaido, will continue seeking to use the OFAC funds for vaccines, Rodriguez said. &nbsp;

His comments were the first time a government official has publicly acknowledged the discussions with the Guaido allies, who he described as 'kidnappers’. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Venezuela's government wants funds frozen in the United States to be put toward paying for coronavirus vaccines and will keep working with the opposition to negotiate this payment, the head of the government-controlled legislature said on Tuesday.

Venezuela's government wants funds frozen in the United States to be put toward paying for coronavirus vaccines and will keep working with the opposition to negotiate this payment, the head of the government-controlled legislature said on Tuesday. Allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido have for months been in talks with state officials to buy vaccines through the COVAX programme using funds frozen by the US Treasury as part of sanctions against the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro over the weekend said his government had paid some $64 million to the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, spurring doubts as to whether the government would pull the plug on talks to use the frozen funds for the inoculation campaign. Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly dominated by the ruling Socialist Party, said talks regarding the 'kidnapped' funds would continue. "If more of the kidnapped resources are used, it would be to buy the vaccines that are needed via the (Pan American Health Organisation) and the (World Health Organisation)," Rodriguez said in a news conference. In 2019, Washington froze $342 million held by the Venezuelan central bank in the United States, as part of a sanctions programme that sought to remove Maduro from power. The funds were put under the control of opposition leader Guaido and the interim government he created, but moving them requires a license from the US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). A working group created last year to ensure Venezuela's access to COVAX, which includes health ministry officials as well as advisers to Guaido, will continue seeking to use the OFAC funds for vaccines, Rodriguez said. His comments were the first time a government official has publicly acknowledged the discussions with the Guaido allies, who he described as 'kidnappers’. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela government wants to use funds frozen in US to pay for vaccines 

Venezuelan forces detained members of the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel during clashes with armed groups near its western border with Colombia, a top Venezuelan military official said on Friday. &nbsp;

Venezuela's military on March 21 launched an offensive against what officials called irregular Colombian armed groups in the western state of Apure. About eight Venezuelan soldiers have died during the operations, which have caused about 5,000 people to flee across the border.&nbsp;

"We even captured some individuals from the Sinaloa cartel," the chief of Venezuela's strategic operational command, Remigio Ceballos, said in a telephone call broadcast on state television. &nbsp;

Ceballos did not specify the names of the people detained, nor how many cartel members were taken into custody. He said some individuals from Brazil were also detained, and said all would be presented to the country's courts.&nbsp;

The fighting has occurred near the border town of La Victoria, about 628 km (390 miles) southwest of the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. &nbsp;

Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for further details about the arrests. &nbsp;

Colombia's government has said that the Sinaloa cartel is active in the South American country and has alliances with local rebel groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who have rejected a 2016 peace deal.&nbsp;

Venezuela, which this week created a special military unit for the border region, has not specified which groups it is fighting along the border. Critics of President Nicolas Maduro say the fighters include dissident FARC guerrillas, who his government had previously accommodated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Venezuelan forces detained members of the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel during clashes with armed groups near its western border with Colombia, a top Venezuelan military official said on Friday.

Venezuelan forces detained members of the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel during clashes with armed groups near its western border with Colombia, a top Venezuelan military official said on Friday. Venezuela's military on March 21 launched an offensive against what officials called irregular Colombian armed groups in the western state of Apure. About eight Venezuelan soldiers have died during the operations, which have caused about 5,000 people to flee across the border. "We even captured some individuals from the Sinaloa cartel," the chief of Venezuela's strategic operational command, Remigio Ceballos, said in a telephone call broadcast on state television. Ceballos did not specify the names of the people detained, nor how many cartel members were taken into custody. He said some individuals from Brazil were also detained, and said all would be presented to the country's courts. The fighting has occurred near the border town of La Victoria, about 628 km (390 miles) southwest of the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for further details about the arrests. Colombia's government has said that the Sinaloa cartel is active in the South American country and has alliances with local rebel groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who have rejected a 2016 peace deal. Venezuela, which this week created a special military unit for the border region, has not specified which groups it is fighting along the border. Critics of President Nicolas Maduro say the fighters include dissident FARC guerrillas, who his government had previously accommodated. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela detains Sinaloa cartel members in clash at Colombian border 

Venezuela has created a special military unit called Integrated Operational Defense Zone, for an area on its border with Colombia that has been the center of clashes between troops and illegal armed groups since last month.

Venezuela creates military unit on Colombia border

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Saturday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus and has mild symptoms. 
 
Guaido said on his Twitter account that he is in isolation and expressed concern about the number of infections in the country. 
 
"I want to express my solidarity with the thousands of Venezuelans suffering during the pandemic," Guaido wrote on Twitter. "Today we all have a relative or acquaintance affected by COVID-19." 
 
Dozens of countries have backed Guaido as interim president of Venezuela following Maduro`s re-election in 2018 in a vote Western governments called a sham. 
 
The opposition leader added that he considered the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines to Venezuela urgent. 
 
Venezuela has received 700,000 doses, of which 500,000 were donated by China`s Sinopharm and the rest are Russia`s Sputnik V. Opposition leaders are separately negotiating to buy vaccines via the COVAX program using funds frozen in the United States. 
 
Venezuela`s official figures as of Saturday showed 155,663 cases of coronavirus and 1,555 deaths, though opposition critics say the actual figure is likely higher due to limited testing.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Saturday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus and has mild symptoms. Guaido said on his Twitter account that he is in isolation and expressed concern about the number of infections in the country.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Saturday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus and has mild symptoms. Guaido said on his Twitter account that he is in isolation and expressed concern about the number of infections in the country. "I want to express my solidarity with the thousands of Venezuelans suffering during the pandemic," Guaido wrote on Twitter. "Today we all have a relative or acquaintance affected by COVID-19." Dozens of countries have backed Guaido as interim president of Venezuela following Maduro`s re-election in 2018 in a vote Western governments called a sham. The opposition leader added that he considered the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines to Venezuela urgent. Venezuela has received 700,000 doses, of which 500,000 were donated by China`s Sinopharm and the rest are Russia`s Sputnik V. Opposition leaders are separately negotiating to buy vaccines via the COVAX program using funds frozen in the United States. Venezuela`s official figures as of Saturday showed 155,663 cases of coronavirus and 1,555 deaths, though opposition critics say the actual figure is likely higher due to limited testing.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido says he tested positive for COVID-19

The Colombian government on Wednesday said 3,100 people have moved from Venezuela to Colombia since Sunday in search of protection from the conflict in the border state of Apure

Thousands flee to Colombia after clashes on Venezuela border

Illegal mining, a leading cause of environmental destruction in the Amazon rainforest, expanded 30 percent last year on protected Yanomami indigenous lands, devastating the equivalent of 500 football pitches, a report found Thursday.

The increase brought the total amount of land deforested by illegal miners on the Yanomami's reserve in northern Brazil to 2,400 hectares (nearly 6,000 acres), an area more than seven times the size of New York's Central Park, said the report by two indigenous associations.

Illegal gold and diamond mining are big business in the Amazon, and according to the report only accelerated on Yanomami lands in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic led environmental authorities to scale back enforcement operations.

"The water is dirty, the river is yellow, everything is riddled with holes. Illegal miners are like pigs," said Yanomami shaman Davi Kopenawa, the head of one of the groups behind the report, the Hutukara Yanomami Association (HAY).

"They come in like hungry animals, looking for the riches of our land. It's expanding very fast. It's arriving right in the heart of Yanomami territory," he said in a statement.

Kopenawa said his community feared a conflict with the miners, who are often armed.

Last June, illegal miners shot dead two young Yanomami men, leading HAY to warn that tensions could escalate into a "cycle of violence."

Last month, miners attacked the indigenous village of Helepe, leading to clashes that left one indigenous man wounded and one miner dead, the group said.

The Yanomami, who are known for their face paint and intricate piercings, were largely isolated from the outside world until the mid-20th century.

They have a history of conflict with illegal miners dating back to the 1970s.

Together with diseases such as measles and malaria, the conflicts decimated the Yanomami population, which numbers around 27,000 today.

Indigenous authorities have also warned there is a danger of illegal miners with Covid-19 infecting members of the Yanomami.&nbsp;

Illegal mining, a leading cause of environmental destruction in the Amazon rainforest, expanded 30 percent last year on protected Yanomami indigenous lands, devastating the equivalent of 500 football pitches, a report found Thursday.

Illegal mining, a leading cause of environmental destruction in the Amazon rainforest, expanded 30 percent last year on protected Yanomami indigenous lands, devastating the equivalent of 500 football pitches, a report found Thursday. The increase brought the total amount of land deforested by illegal miners on the Yanomami's reserve in northern Brazil to 2,400 hectares (nearly 6,000 acres), an area more than seven times the size of New York's Central Park, said the report by two indigenous associations. Illegal gold and diamond mining are big business in the Amazon, and according to the report only accelerated on Yanomami lands in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic led environmental authorities to scale back enforcement operations. "The water is dirty, the river is yellow, everything is riddled with holes. Illegal miners are like pigs," said Yanomami shaman Davi Kopenawa, the head of one of the groups behind the report, the Hutukara Yanomami Association (HAY). "They come in like hungry animals, looking for the riches of our land. It's expanding very fast. It's arriving right in the heart of Yanomami territory," he said in a statement. Kopenawa said his community feared a conflict with the miners, who are often armed. Last June, illegal miners shot dead two young Yanomami men, leading HAY to warn that tensions could escalate into a "cycle of violence." Last month, miners attacked the indigenous village of Helepe, leading to clashes that left one indigenous man wounded and one miner dead, the group said. The Yanomami, who are known for their face paint and intricate piercings, were largely isolated from the outside world until the mid-20th century. They have a history of conflict with illegal miners dating back to the 1970s. Together with diseases such as measles and malaria, the conflicts decimated the Yanomami population, which numbers around 27,000 today. Indigenous authorities have also warned there is a danger of illegal miners with Covid-19 infecting members of the Yanomami.

Illegal mining surges on Yanomami indigenous land, report says

The Joe Biden administration is granting temporary protected status to Venezuelan migrants living in the United States and is also working to coordinate international pressure against President Nicolas Maduro to hold free and fair elections.

US grants temporary protection to Venezuelan refugees

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-in-no-rush-to-lift-venezuela-sanctions-seeks-serious-steps-by-maduro-366912">Biden</a> administration is set to allow thousands of Venezuelans to seek refuge in its borders in a significant policy shift from The Trump era.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/santa-gives-food-to-poor-hit-by-pandemic-and-recession-in-venezuela-351425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to a US official, temporary protected status is being offered to people who fled have political repression and economic chaos in Venezuela.&nbsp;

A senior Biden government official said that over 300,000 individuals are estimated to be eligible. The temporary protected status is being offered to people who fled political repression and economic chaos.

The Venezuelans who being considered are all already in the US will now not be deported till at least 2022, according to the officials.

Former President Donald Trump despite backing a push to topple far-left Venezuelan leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-talks-with-venezuelas-guaido-to-increase-pressure-on-president-maduro-367548">Nicolas Maduro</a> had denied Venezuelans protected status.&nbsp;

On taking office in January, President Biden immediately set about reversing what he said were Trump's inhumane border policies.

According to the UN, 34 per cent of the 5.4 million Venezuelans who fled the country since 2015 are in Colombia, which has no diplomatic relations with its neighbour.

The Colombian government announced on Monday that it was giving protected status to almost one million undocumented migrants from the neighbouring country.

The Biden administration is set to allow thousands of Venezuelans to seek refuge in its borders in a significant policy shift from The Trump era. Watch: According to a US official, temporary protected status is being offered to people who fled have political repression and economic chaos in Venezuela.

The Biden administration is set to allow thousands of Venezuelans to seek refuge in its borders in a significant policy shift from The Trump era. Watch: According to a US official, temporary protected status is being offered to people who fled have political repression and economic chaos in Venezuela. A senior Biden government official said that over 300,000 individuals are estimated to be eligible. The temporary protected status is being offered to people who fled political repression and economic chaos. The Venezuelans who being considered are all already in the US will now not be deported till at least 2022, according to the officials. Former President Donald Trump despite backing a push to topple far-left Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro had denied Venezuelans protected status. On taking office in January, President Biden immediately set about reversing what he said were Trump's inhumane border policies. According to the UN, 34 per cent of the 5.4 million Venezuelans who fled the country since 2015 are in Colombia, which has no diplomatic relations with its neighbour. The Colombian government announced on Monday that it was giving protected status to almost one million undocumented migrants from the neighbouring country.

Biden administration to allow temporary refuge to thousands of Venezuelans

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday spoke with Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido&nbsp;to increase "multilateral pressure" against President Nicolas Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition" of power.&nbsp;

The United States considers Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela and Maduro's reelection win in 2018 was deemed fraudulent.&nbsp;

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/santa-gives-food-to-poor-hit-by-pandemic-and-recession-in-venezuela-351425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido today. Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of a return to democracy in Venezuela through free and fair elections," state department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

It said that the secretary of state called for "efforts to work with likeminded allies", including the European Union and Lima Group to "increase multilateral pressure" on Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-in-no-rush-to-lift-venezuela-sanctions-seeks-serious-steps-by-maduro-366912">Biden in no rush to lift Venezuela sanctions, seeks 'serious steps' by Maduro</a>

The relations between the countries were stained during the tenure of former president Donald Trump, who imposed severe sanctions on Venezuela and its state oil company in a bid to oust Maduro from power.&nbsp;

The statement by the US secretary of state's office also added that Washington will work with its allies for a political solution to the crisis and to push humanitarian assistance in the South American country.&nbsp;

Guaido declared himself as the country's leader in 2019 and his legitimacy has been accepted by over 50 countries, including the US.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday spoke with Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido to increase "multilateral pressure" against President Nicolas Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition" of power.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday spoke with Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido to increase "multilateral pressure" against President Nicolas Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition" of power. The United States considers Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela and Maduro's reelection win in 2018 was deemed fraudulent. Watch | "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido today. Secretary Blinken stressed the importance of a return to democracy in Venezuela through free and fair elections," state department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. It said that the secretary of state called for "efforts to work with likeminded allies", including the European Union and Lima Group to "increase multilateral pressure" on Maduro for a "peaceful, democratic transition". Also read | Biden in no rush to lift Venezuela sanctions, seeks 'serious steps' by Maduro The relations between the countries were stained during the tenure of former president Donald Trump, who imposed severe sanctions on Venezuela and its state oil company in a bid to oust Maduro from power. The statement by the US secretary of state's office also added that Washington will work with its allies for a political solution to the crisis and to push humanitarian assistance in the South American country. Guaido declared himself as the country's leader in 2019 and his legitimacy has been accepted by over 50 countries, including the US.

US Secretary of State talks with Venezuela's Guaido to increase 'pressure' on President Maduro

President Joe Biden’s administration is in “no rush” to lift U.S. sanctions on Venezuela but would consider easing them if President Nicolas Maduro takes confidence-building steps showing he is ready to negotiate seriously with the opposition, a White House official told Reuters.

Signaling that the new U.S. president may be unlikely to loosen the screws on Venezuela anytime soon, the official emphasized that existing sanctions have enough special provisions to allow for humanitarian aid shipments to help Venezuelans cope with economic hardships and the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Maduro’s Socialist government has been “actively preventing the delivery of humanitarian assistance.”

This suggests that for now Biden is prepared to stick with the specific sanctions, including crippling oil-sector penalties, imposed by former President Donald Trump on the OPEC nation, despite the failure to force Maduro from power.

But Biden, by contrast, intends to move away from the mostly unilateral approach of Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign and enlist more countries to help seek a diplomatic solution, the official said in an interview.

Biden’s administration has made clear it will continue to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president. Dozens of countries have backed Guaido’s claim following Maduro’s re-election in 2018 in a vote Western governments called a sham, though cracks recently have appeared in Guaido`s international support.

“We’re in no rush to lift sanctions,” the official said. “If the regime undertakes confidence-building measures that show that they`re ready and willing to engage in real conversations with the opposition ... if they`re ready to take serious steps, then we will consider the alleviation of sanctions."

The official did not specify what steps Maduro would need to make but said he could not be allowed to use negotiations as a “delaying tactic” to consolidate power and divide the opposition, as he has been accused of doing in the past.

Maduro, who calls Guaido a U.S. puppet, has shown no signs of giving ground. Having retained support of the military as well as Russia, China, Cuba and Iran, he has rejected or ignored previous demands for such concessions.

The Biden administration also appears to have little sense of urgency for major gestures toward Cuba despite hopes for a softer approach after Trump, often citing its support for Maduro, rolled back historic Obama-era détente with Havana.

Some Biden advisers had suggested earlier that he could start by loosening up the flow of remittances from Cuban Americans and ease restrictions on family travel to the Communist-ruled island.

But while acknowledging such changes could have a positive impact, the official said a Cuba policy shift was not currently among Biden’s top priorities, which include the coronavirus pandemic, economic recovery and rebuilding alliances abroad.

“Frankly, first things first,” the official said.

There has also been no sign of any immediate plans to rescind Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, though Biden officials have said Trump’s last-minute decision to return Havana to the U.S. blacklist is under review.

President Joe Biden’s administration is in “no rush” to lift U.S. sanctions on Venezuela but would consider easing them if President Nicolas Maduro takes confidence-building steps showing he is ready to negotiate seriously with the opposition, a White House official told Reuters.

President Joe Biden’s administration is in “no rush” to lift U.S. sanctions on Venezuela but would consider easing them if President Nicolas Maduro takes confidence-building steps showing he is ready to negotiate seriously with the opposition, a White House official told Reuters. Signaling that the new U.S. president may be unlikely to loosen the screws on Venezuela anytime soon, the official emphasized that existing sanctions have enough special provisions to allow for humanitarian aid shipments to help Venezuelans cope with economic hardships and the COVID-19 pandemic. But the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Maduro’s Socialist government has been “actively preventing the delivery of humanitarian assistance.” This suggests that for now Biden is prepared to stick with the specific sanctions, including crippling oil-sector penalties, imposed by former President Donald Trump on the OPEC nation, despite the failure to force Maduro from power. But Biden, by contrast, intends to move away from the mostly unilateral approach of Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign and enlist more countries to help seek a diplomatic solution, the official said in an interview. Biden’s administration has made clear it will continue to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s interim president. Dozens of countries have backed Guaido’s claim following Maduro’s re-election in 2018 in a vote Western governments called a sham, though cracks recently have appeared in Guaido`s international support. “We’re in no rush to lift sanctions,” the official said. “If the regime undertakes confidence-building measures that show that they`re ready and willing to engage in real conversations with the opposition ... if they`re ready to take serious steps, then we will consider the alleviation of sanctions." The official did not specify what steps Maduro would need to make but said he could not be allowed to use negotiations as a “delaying tactic” to consolidate power and divide the opposition, as he has been accused of doing in the past. Maduro, who calls Guaido a U.S. puppet, has shown no signs of giving ground. Having retained support of the military as well as Russia, China, Cuba and Iran, he has rejected or ignored previous demands for such concessions. The Biden administration also appears to have little sense of urgency for major gestures toward Cuba despite hopes for a softer approach after Trump, often citing its support for Maduro, rolled back historic Obama-era détente with Havana. Some Biden advisers had suggested earlier that he could start by loosening up the flow of remittances from Cuban Americans and ease restrictions on family travel to the Communist-ruled island. But while acknowledging such changes could have a positive impact, the official said a Cuba policy shift was not currently among Biden’s top priorities, which include the coronavirus pandemic, economic recovery and rebuilding alliances abroad. “Frankly, first things first,” the official said. There has also been no sign of any immediate plans to rescind Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, though Biden officials have said Trump’s last-minute decision to return Havana to the U.S. blacklist is under review.

Biden in no rush to lift Venezuela sanctions, seeks 'serious steps' by Maduro

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