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An ICE officer has shot dead 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, just blocks from where George Floyd was killed in 2020. The two killings share multiple unnerving and haunting parallels. All you need to know.

Minneapolis on edge: ICE agent shot Renee Good 'in the face,' just blocks from where police killed George Floyd

<p>The Minneapolis woman fatally shot by an ICE officer during a tense confrontation on Wednesday (Jan 7) morning has been identified as Renee Nicole Good. The shooting took place near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, an area that had already been on edge amid ongoing immigration raids and protests. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the officer opened fire during what it described as a life-threatening encounter. Here's all we know about the victim.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-ice-shooting-horrible-thing-to-watch-says-trump-agent-was-fearing-for-his-life-says-dhs-1767820569150"><strong>Minneapolis ICE shooting: 'Horrible thing to watch', says Trump; agent was 'fearing for his life', says DHS</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What happened on the street</strong></h2><p>Witnesses told local station WCCO that whistles rang out around 9:30 am to warn residents of ICE agents nearby. They described seeing a Honda Pilot boxed in by several federal officers. One agent attempted to open the driver's side door. Moments later, the vehicle appeared to reverse, then move forward. Witnesses said three shots were fired, purportedly right in Good's face. The SUV rolled a short distance before hitting another parked car.</p><p>Videos circulating on social media corroborate the witness accounts. Watch it here:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here&#39;s another angle of the moment when ICE murdered this innocent woman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. <a href="https://t.co/9SJO9Sq8KF">pic.twitter.com/9SJO9Sq8KF</a></p>&mdash; Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdKrassen/status/2008975406117068909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Self-defence or propaganda?</strong></h2><p>Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterised the incident as an "act of domestic terrorism," accusing Good of using her vehicle as a weapon. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin echoed that claim, calling her a "violent rioter," who "weaponised her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them — an act of domestic terrorism."</p><p>However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has strongly rejected that version of events. After reviewing the footage of the incident, Frey called the federal narrative "bullshit" and accused ICE of trying to spin a fatal mistake into self-defence. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also urged the public not to believe what he described as the "propaganda machine".</p><p>Noem later said the officer involved had been treated at a hospital and released, and confirmed the same officer had been involved in a previous confrontation with "anti-ICE rioter" in June. The officer has not been publicly identified.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-ice-shooting-federal-agent-shoots-and-kills-woman-amid-immigration-crackdown-watch-1767819831155"><strong>Minneapolis ICE shooting: Agent shoots and kills woman amid crackdown | WATCH</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Who was Renee Good?</strong></h2><p>The woman killed has been identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. Federal officials said she was a US citizen and was not the target of any immigration enforcement action. City leaders said she was acting as a legal observer, monitoring federal activity in the neighbourhood.</p><p>Good’s mother, Donna Ganger, told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that her daughter was not part of the anti ICE protests. She said Renee was likely terrified in the moment.</p><p>Renee Good was married and had a six year old son. "She was probably terrified," Ganger said. "Renee was one of the kindest people I've ever known. She was extremely compassionate. She’s taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being," added the victim's mother.</p><p>Slamming the shooting Timmy Ray Macklin Sr, who identified himself as Good's son's grandfather said that the ICE agent has made her grandson an orphan again. Good's first husband, Timmy Ray Macklin Jr. died in 2023 aged 36.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/minneapolis-ice-shooting-woman-in-minnesota-fatally-shot-by-ice-agent-during-raid-1767842432634/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/minneapolis-ice-shooting-woman-in-minnesota-fatally-shot-by-ice-agent-during-raid-1767842432634/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Minneapolis woman shot dead by an ICE officer during a chaotic street encounter amid immigration raids has been identified as Renee Nicole Good. All we know about her.

The Minneapolis woman fatally shot by an ICE officer during a tense confrontation on Wednesday (Jan 7) morning has been identified as Renee Nicole Good. The shooting took place near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, an area that had already been on edge amid ongoing immigration raids and protests. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the officer opened fire during what it described as a life-threatening encounter. Here's all we know about the victim. Also read | Minneapolis ICE shooting: 'Horrible thing to watch', says Trump; agent was 'fearing for his life', says DHS What happened on the street Witnesses told local station WCCO that whistles rang out around 9:30 am to warn residents of ICE agents nearby. They described seeing a Honda Pilot boxed in by several federal officers. One agent attempted to open the driver's side door. Moments later, the vehicle appeared to reverse, then move forward. Witnesses said three shots were fired, purportedly right in Good's face. The SUV rolled a short distance before hitting another parked car. Videos circulating on social media corroborate the witness accounts. Watch it here:

<p>The Minneapolis woman shot dead by an ICE officer during a chaotic street encounter amid immigration raids has been identified as Renee Nicole Good. All we know about her.</p>

Minneapolis ICE shooting: Woman 'shot in face' by ICE agent identified as Renee Nicole Good. All we know about her

<p>US President Donald Trump said he has watched video of the shooting, calling it “horrible to watch.” In a Truth Social post, he claimed the woman was disorderly and resisting officers, alleging she attempted to run over an ICE agent, who he said fired in self-defense. Trump blamed what he described as attacks from the “radical left” on law enforcement and urged Americans to support ICE and police. He wrote, “I have just viewed the clip of the event which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a horrible thing to watch. The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing, and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self-defense. Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital. The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents daily. They are just trying to do the job of MAKING AMERICA SAFE. We need to stand by and protect our Law Enforcement Officers from this Radical Left Movement of Violence and Hate!”</p><h2><strong>Governor Walz condemns incident, urges calm</strong></h2><p>Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed residents directly, saying he understands their anger and shares it. He warned against those seeking chaos and urged people to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully. Walz asked the rest of the country to stand with Minnesota, calling the incident the result of governance driven by fear and conflict.</p><h2><strong>Lack of federal coordination criticised</strong></h2><p>Walz said his office has contacted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem but has not received a response. Noem is expected to arrive in Minneapolis later. Walz said Minnesota does not need additional federal intervention and criticised the lack of coordination with state and local officials, calling the shooting “predictable” and “entirely avoidable.”</p><h2><strong>National Guard role clarified</strong></h2><p>Walz emphasised that the National Guard is present to protect residents and constitutional rights, not to intimidate. He said Guard members enable peaceful protest and will prevent destruction, noting they operate transparently and without masks.</p><h2><strong>Victim has not been identified</strong></h2><p>Walz confirmed he has not spoken with the woman’s family and said the victim has not yet been formally identified. He stressed the investigation is ongoing and criticised federal officials for making conclusions about the victim’s motives before basic facts were established, calling the video “very difficult to watch.”</p><h2><strong>DHS defends agents’ actions</strong></h2><p>The Department of Homeland Security said officers were conducting targeted operations when protesters blocked them. DHS alleged the woman used her vehicle as a weapon, calling the act domestic terrorism. The department said an officer, fearing for his life and others’, opened fire. DHS also blamed nationwide criticism of immigration officers for escalating tensions.</p><h2><strong>Why were ICE agents in Minneapolis?</strong></h2><p>According to reports, the Trump administration deployed about 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis in recent weeks over alleged welfare fraud. The operation is part of a broader ICE enforcement campaign launched in late 2025 targeting people with deportation orders, including members of the city’s Somali community, whom Trump has repeatedly criticised. ICE deployments have expanded to other US cities as part of a wider immigration crackdown.</p>

Minneapolis ICE shooting: 'Horrible thing to watch', says Trump; agent was 'fearing for his life', says DHS

US President Donald Trump said he has watched video of the shooting, calling it “horrible to watch.” In a Truth Social post, he claimed the woman was disorderly and resisting officers, alleging she attempted to run over an ICE agent, who he said fired in self-defense. Trump blamed what he described as attacks from the “radical left” on law enforcement and urged Americans to support ICE and police. He wrote, “I have just viewed the clip of the event which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a horrible thing to watch. The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing, and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self-defense. Based on the attached clip, it is hard to believe he is alive, but is now recovering in the hospital. The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents daily. They are just trying to do the job of MAKING AMERICA SAFE. We need to stand by and protect our Law Enforcement Officers from this Radical Left Movement of Violence and Hate!” Governor Walz condemns incident, urges calm Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed residents directly, saying he understands their anger and shares it. He warned against those seeking chaos and urged people to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully. Walz asked the rest of the country to stand with Minnesota, calling the incident the result of governance driven by fear and conflict. Lack of federal coordination criticised Walz said his office has contacted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem but has not received a response. Noem is expected to arrive in Minneapolis later. Walz said Minnesota does not need additional federal intervention and criticised the lack of coordination with state and local officials, calling the shooting “predictable” and “entirely avoidable.” National Guard role clarified Walz emphasised that the National Guard is present to protect residents and constitutional rights, not to intimidate. He said Guard members enable peaceful protest and will prevent destruction, noting they operate transparently and without masks. Victim has not been identified Walz confirmed he has not spoken with the woman’s family and said the victim has not yet been formally identified. He stressed the investigation is ongoing and criticised federal officials for making conclusions about the victim’s motives before basic facts were established, calling the video “very difficult to watch.” DHS defends agents’ actions The Department of Homeland Security said officers were conducting targeted operations when protesters blocked them. DHS alleged the woman used her vehicle as a weapon, calling the act domestic terrorism. The department said an officer, fearing for his life and others’, opened fire. DHS also blamed nationwide criticism of immigration officers for escalating tensions. Why were ICE agents in Minneapolis? According to reports, the Trump administration deployed about 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis in recent weeks over alleged welfare fraud. The operation is part of a broader ICE enforcement campaign launched in late 2025 targeting people with deportation orders, including members of the city’s Somali community, whom Trump has repeatedly criticised. ICE deployments have expanded to other US cities as part of a wider immigration crackdown.

<p>Trump and DHS say that the ICE agent acted in self-defence in a Minneapolis shooting, while Governor Tim Walz calls it avoidable and criticises federal actions.</p>

<p>Several videos circulating on social media, and broadcast by local news outlets, appear to capture the moment immigration agents shot a woman during an encounter in Minneapolis on Wednesday (January 7). The footage, filmed from different angles, shows a maroon SUV stopped in the middle of a residential street. Several people who appear to be protesters are gathered along the sidewalk, while at least one individual stands in the roadway recording the scene on a phone.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Multiple law enforcement vehicles are visible in the area. A silver truck believed to be carrying immigration agents pulls up behind the maroon SUV. Agents exit the truck and order the female driver to step out of her vehicle. One agent is seen pulling on the driver’s side door handle. Additional agents are positioned nearby, including inside an SUV parked on the opposite side of the woman’s vehicle. As one agent continues pulling at the door, another stands near the front of the SUV. Based on the available video, the exact position of that agent is unclear.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-immigration-crackdown-ice-agent-shoots-and-kills-woman-1767809270151"><strong>Minneapolis immigration crackdown: ICE agent shoots and kills woman</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here&#39;s another angle of the moment when ICE murdered this innocent woman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. <a href="https://t.co/9SJO9Sq8KF">pic.twitter.com/9SJO9Sq8KF</a></p>&mdash; Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdKrassen/status/2008975406117068909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Moments later, as the woman attempts to drive away, an agent opens fire. Three gunshots can be heard, and the maroon SUV veers out of control before crashing into a white car parked along the street. The agent appears to narrowly avoid being struck by the moving vehicle. Witnesses recording the incident can be heard screaming and accusing the agent of killing the woman. The entire confrontation escalates rapidly, with the shooting occurring less than 10 seconds after agents first exited their vehicle.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rep. Ilhan Oma in a post on X said, “I’m following news of a reported shooting of a legal observer by ICE agents in South Minneapolis. I’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and will update as soon as I receive information. ICE must stop terrorizing our communities and leave our city.”</p>

Minneapolis ICE shooting: Federal agent shoots and kills woman amid immigration crackdown | WATCH

Several videos circulating on social media, and broadcast by local news outlets, appear to capture the moment immigration agents shot a woman during an encounter in Minneapolis on Wednesday (January 7). The footage, filmed from different angles, shows a maroon SUV stopped in the middle of a residential street. Several people who appear to be protesters are gathered along the sidewalk, while at least one individual stands in the roadway recording the scene on a phone. Multiple law enforcement vehicles are visible in the area. A silver truck believed to be carrying immigration agents pulls up behind the maroon SUV. Agents exit the truck and order the female driver to step out of her vehicle. One agent is seen pulling on the driver’s side door handle. Additional agents are positioned nearby, including inside an SUV parked on the opposite side of the woman’s vehicle. As one agent continues pulling at the door, another stands near the front of the SUV. Based on the available video, the exact position of that agent is unclear. Also Read: Minneapolis immigration crackdown: ICE agent shoots and kills woman

<p>Videos show immigration agents confronting a woman in Minneapolis and opening fire as she tried to drive away, causing her SUV to crash</p>

<p>The Trump administration unveiled updated federal dietary guidelines on Wednesday (January 7), urging Americans to increase protein intake, sharply cut sugar consumption, and steer clear of heavily processed foods in pursuit of better health. The new recommendations align with the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, a movement closely associated with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Alongside Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Kennedy has advanced MAHA priorities that include limiting access to unhealthy foods in federal assistance programs and challenging longstanding public health policies.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Issued jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, the dietary guidelines are revised every five years and influence everything from school lunches to medical advice nationwide.</p><p>Kennedy said the updated guidance reflects a push to reduce the role of food industry interests and simplify nutrition advice for the public. Among the most notable changes is a stronger warning against consuming added sugars and highly processed foods, which administration officials link to rising rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-immigration-crackdown-ice-agent-shoots-and-kills-woman-1767809270151"><strong>Minneapolis immigration crackdown: ICE agent shoots and kills woman</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“At long last, the federal government is taking a firm stand against added sugar,” Kennedy said during a White House briefing. Despite the changes, several core recommendations remain unchanged. The guidance continues to emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and still advises limiting saturated fat to no more than 10% of daily calorie intake.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kennedy argued that following the new guidelines could help curb healthcare spending, a politically significant issue for Republicans as the 2026 midterm elections approach. He said diets centered on whole, nutrient-rich foods offer a practical path to improving health while reducing medical costs. The MAHA Commission, chaired by Kennedy, has also proposed overhauling how future dietary guidelines are developed, including changes to the advisory committee that shapes them. Critics have long accused the committee of being too closely tied to food industry interests. Notably, the panel that advised on the current guidelines was appointed under former President Joe Biden.</p><h2>Higher protein, lower sugar</h2><p>The revised guidelines recommend adults consume between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, significantly higher than the previous standard of 0.8 grams. They also reverse decades of advice favoring low-fat dairy, now endorsing full-fat dairy products. Dairy industry groups have long argued that low-fat guidance unfairly hurts farmers and lacks strong scientific backing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another change removes explicit daily alcohol limits. Instead of specifying one or two drinks per day, the guidelines now broadly advise adults to drink less alcohol to improve overall health. A White House official said the recommendations are grounded in credible science and are expected to improve long-term public health outcomes.</p><p>The American Medical Association welcomed the focus on reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess sodium, citing their role in fueling obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Meanwhile, the School Nutrition Association noted that schools already comply with federal standards but need additional resources and training to expand fresh, scratch-made meals.</p><h3>Strong warning on processed foods</h3><p>The guidelines state that added sugars and non-nutritive sweeteners have no role in a healthy diet and recommend keeping added sugar below 10 grams per meal if consumed at all. Earlier guidance allowed limited sugar use as long as daily intake stayed under 10% of calories.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Foods containing artificial flavors, dyes, and low-calorie sweeteners are discouraged. Several major food companies have begun reformulating products in response to the administration’s stance. Beverage companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and snack producer Mondelez, along with European firms Nestlé and Danone, have faced heightened scrutiny from Kennedy. The American Beverage Association countered that most drinks sold today contain little or no sugar and argued that discouraging sugar-free beverages is unrealistic.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While the guidelines stop short of addressing “ultra-processed” foods directly, federal agencies say they are working on a formal definition. Researchers worldwide have linked ultra-processed foods—often made with industrial additives—to higher risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes.</p>

'More protein, less sugar': Trump administration overhauls US dietary guidelines

The Trump administration unveiled updated federal dietary guidelines on Wednesday (January 7), urging Americans to increase protein intake, sharply cut sugar consumption, and steer clear of heavily processed foods in pursuit of better health. The new recommendations align with the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, a movement closely associated with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Alongside Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Kennedy has advanced MAHA priorities that include limiting access to unhealthy foods in federal assistance programs and challenging longstanding public health policies. Issued jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, the dietary guidelines are revised every five years and influence everything from school lunches to medical advice nationwide. Kennedy said the updated guidance reflects a push to reduce the role of food industry interests and simplify nutrition advice for the public. Among the most notable changes is a stronger warning against consuming added sugars and highly processed foods, which administration officials link to rising rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Also Read: Minneapolis immigration crackdown: ICE agent shoots and kills woman “At long last, the federal government is taking a firm stand against added sugar,” Kennedy said during a White House briefing. Despite the changes, several core recommendations remain unchanged. The guidance continues to emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and still advises limiting saturated fat to no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. Kennedy argued that following the new guidelines could help curb healthcare spending, a politically significant issue for Republicans as the 2026 midterm elections approach. He said diets centered on whole, nutrient-rich foods offer a practical path to improving health while reducing medical costs. The MAHA Commission, chaired by Kennedy, has also proposed overhauling how future dietary guidelines are developed, including changes to the advisory committee that shapes them. Critics have long accused the committee of being too closely tied to food industry interests. Notably, the panel that advised on the current guidelines was appointed under former President Joe Biden. Higher protein, lower sugar The revised guidelines recommend adults consume between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, significantly higher than the previous standard of 0.8 grams. They also reverse decades of advice favoring low-fat dairy, now endorsing full-fat dairy products. Dairy industry groups have long argued that low-fat guidance unfairly hurts farmers and lacks strong scientific backing. Another change removes explicit daily alcohol limits. Instead of specifying one or two drinks per day, the guidelines now broadly advise adults to drink less alcohol to improve overall health. A White House official said the recommendations are grounded in credible science and are expected to improve long-term public health outcomes. The American Medical Association welcomed the focus on reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess sodium, citing their role in fueling obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Meanwhile, the School Nutrition Association noted that schools already comply with federal standards but need additional resources and training to expand fresh, scratch-made meals. Strong warning on processed foods The guidelines state that added sugars and non-nutritive sweeteners have no role in a healthy diet and recommend keeping added sugar below 10 grams per meal if consumed at all. Earlier guidance allowed limited sugar use as long as daily intake stayed under 10% of calories. Foods containing artificial flavors, dyes, and low-calorie sweeteners are discouraged. Several major food companies have begun reformulating products in response to the administration’s stance. Beverage companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and snack producer Mondelez, along with European firms Nestlé and Danone, have faced heightened scrutiny from Kennedy. The American Beverage Association countered that most drinks sold today contain little or no sugar and argued that discouraging sugar-free beverages is unrealistic. While the guidelines stop short of addressing “ultra-processed” foods directly, federal agencies say they are working on a formal definition. Researchers worldwide have linked ultra-processed foods—often made with industrial additives—to higher risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

<p>Trump administration updates US dietary guidelines, calling for more protein, less sugar, full-fat dairy, and reduced reliance on processed foods</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told US lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump aims to acquire Greenland through negotiations and not through imminent military action. According to reports in the US media outlets, Rubio made the remarks during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders. Rubio also downplayed concerns that Trump would use military action. As per reports, Rubio said that the administration’s objective was to pressure Denmark into negotiations over Greenland and not to forcibly seize the territory through military action.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump’s stress on the US getting control over Greenland has brought renewed attention to Arctic geopolitics and resources. Trump has said that US acquisition of Greenland is necessary to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region and secure access to vital minerals, sparking concern among European allies.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-will-take-all-the-oil-stuck-in-venezuela-and-sell-it-in-market-at-market-rates-marco-rubio-1767806398832"><strong>‘US will take all the oil stuck in Venezuela and sell it in market, at market rates’: Marco Rubio</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>‘US needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Talking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that the United States “needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security”.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rubio tried to allay fears of any imminent military action or conflict over Greenland when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asked a pointed question.&nbsp;</p><p>The Trump administration, however, has been giving mixed signals regarding its intended actions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-demand-for-venezuela-oil-exclusively-calls-it-typical-bullying-1767794505500"><strong>China slams US demand for Venezuela oil exclusively, calls it ‘typical bullying’</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, said in an interview that he would not rule out military action over Greenland, stating, “Nobody’s going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.”</p><p>The likelihood of any US military action has alarmed NATO allies, who warn that an attack on Greenland could jeopardise the future of the alliance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>‘Trump actively discussing purchase of Greenland’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When asked about a possible US offer to buy the self-governing territory, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “That’s something that’s currently being actively discussed by the president and his national security team.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-former-doctor-ronny-jackson-helped-pakistan-clinch-500-million-us-mining-deal-1767787894652"><strong>Trump’s former doctor Ronny Jackson helped Pakistan clinch $500 million US mining deal</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On being pressed why the US has not ruled out using military force, Leavitt said Trump won’t broadcast the US’s foreign policy. “All options are always on the table for President Trump as he examines what’s in the US’s interests… but the president’s first options, always, has been diplomacy,” she said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When asked whether Trump is still committed to NATO, Leavitt repeated Trump’s message earlier in the day saying, “We will always be there for Nato even if they are not there for us.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to allay fears of any imminent military action or conflict over Greenland when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asked a pointed question. The Trump administration, however, has been giving mixed signals regarding its intended actions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told US lawmakers on Wednesday that President Donald Trump aims to acquire Greenland through negotiations and not through imminent military action. According to reports in the US media outlets, Rubio made the remarks during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders. Rubio also downplayed concerns that Trump would use military action. As per reports, Rubio said that the administration’s objective was to pressure Denmark into negotiations over Greenland and not to forcibly seize the territory through military action. Trump’s stress on the US getting control over Greenland has brought renewed attention to Arctic geopolitics and resources. Trump has said that US acquisition of Greenland is necessary to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region and secure access to vital minerals, sparking concern among European allies. Also Read: ‘US will take all the oil stuck in Venezuela and sell it in market, at market rates’: Marco Rubio ‘US needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security’ Talking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that the United States “needs Greenland from the standpoint of national security”. Rubio tried to allay fears of any imminent military action or conflict over Greenland when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asked a pointed question. The Trump administration, however, has been giving mixed signals regarding its intended actions. Also Read: China slams US demand for Venezuela oil exclusively, calls it ‘typical bullying’ Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, said in an interview that he would not rule out military action over Greenland, stating, “Nobody’s going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.” The likelihood of any US military action has alarmed NATO allies, who warn that an attack on Greenland could jeopardise the future of the alliance. ‘Trump actively discussing purchase of Greenland’ When asked about a possible US offer to buy the self-governing territory, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “That’s something that’s currently being actively discussed by the president and his national security team.” Also Read: Trump’s former doctor Ronny Jackson helped Pakistan clinch $500 million US mining deal On being pressed why the US has not ruled out using military force, Leavitt said Trump won’t broadcast the US’s foreign policy. “All options are always on the table for President Trump as he examines what’s in the US’s interests… but the president’s first options, always, has been diplomacy,” she said. When asked whether Trump is still committed to NATO, Leavitt repeated Trump’s message earlier in the day saying, “We will always be there for Nato even if they are not there for us.”

<p>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to allay fears of any imminent military action or conflict over Greenland when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asked a pointed question. The Trump administration, however, has been giving mixed signals regarding its intended actions.</p>

‘Trump wants to buy Greenland, not seize it,’ Marco Rubio tells US lawmakers

<p>A woman was fatally shot by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis after authorities say she attempted to drive her vehicle into law enforcement officers during an enforcement operation. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident occurred in a residential area when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer opened fire. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the shooting in a statement released on Wednesday (January 7).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The deadly encounter represents a sharp intensification of the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement efforts in large US cities. Tensions in Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul have been high since DHS revealed plans for a major operation involving roughly 2,000 federal agents. The effort is reportedly connected to suspected fraud cases involving members of the Somali community.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-will-take-all-the-oil-stuck-in-venezuela-and-sell-it-in-market-at-market-rates-marco-rubio-1767806398832"><strong>‘US will take all the oil stuck in Venezuela and sell it in market, at market rates’: Marco Rubio</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m following news of a reported shooting of a legal observer by ICE agents in South Minneapolis. <br><br>I’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and will update as soon as I receive information. <br><br>ICE must stop terrorizing our communities and leave our city.</p>&mdash; Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ilhan/status/2008950336304685354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Following the shooting, a sizable crowd gathered near the scene, expressing outrage toward both local and federal officers. Among those present was Gregory Bovino, a senior Customs and Border Patrol official who has overseen similar operations in cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago. As seen in previous crackdowns, protesters shouted at officers and used whistles, now a common form of disruption during immigration enforcement actions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rep. Ilhan Oma in a post on X said, “I’m following news of a reported shooting of a legal observer by ICE agents in South Minneapolis. I’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and will update as soon as I receive information. ICE must stop terrorizing our communities and leave our city.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he is aware of the shooting involving an ICE agent, calling the presence of federal immigration enforcement “chaos” for the city. In a statement posted on social media, Frey said Minneapolis is demanding that ICE leave immediately and reaffirmed the city’s support for its immigrant and refugee communities.</p>

Minneapolis immigration crackdown: ICE agent shoots and kills woman 

A woman was fatally shot by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis after authorities say she attempted to drive her vehicle into law enforcement officers during an enforcement operation. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident occurred in a residential area when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer opened fire. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the shooting in a statement released on Wednesday (January 7). The deadly encounter represents a sharp intensification of the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement efforts in large US cities. Tensions in Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul have been high since DHS revealed plans for a major operation involving roughly 2,000 federal agents. The effort is reportedly connected to suspected fraud cases involving members of the Somali community. Also Read: ‘US will take all the oil stuck in Venezuela and sell it in market, at market rates’: Marco Rubio

<p>A federal agent shot and killed a Minneapolis woman during an immigration crackdown, triggering protests and escalating tensions over DHS crackdowns</p>

Minneapolis immigration crackdown: ICE agent shoots and kills woman

<p>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the United States administration has tremendous control and leverage over what the interim authorities in Venezuela are doing and are able to do and the US is about to execute a deal to take “all the oil that is stuck in Venezuela.” Speaking to reporters at Capitol Hill, Rubio said the US is about to execute a deal to take “all the oil that is stuck in Venezuela.”</p><p>“We’re going to sell it in the marketplace, at market rates, not at the discounts. That money will then be handled in such a way that we will control how it is disbursed in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people, not corruption, not the regime,” Rubio added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-demand-for-venezuela-oil-exclusively-calls-it-typical-bullying-1767794505500"><strong>China slams US demand for Venezuela oil exclusively, calls it ‘typical bullying’</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When reporters asked whether the US is concerned about the interim leader’s loyalty to her deposed predecessor, Rubio said, “The bottom line is that there is a process now in place where we have tremendous control and leverage over what those interim authorities are doing and are able to do.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Venezuela’s interim leaders want seized oil cargo to be part of ‘deal’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The Venezuelans understand the only way they can move oil and generate revenue, and not have economic collapse, is if they cooperate and work with the United States,” Rubio added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-former-doctor-ronny-jackson-helped-pakistan-clinch-500-million-us-mining-deal-1767787894652"><strong>Trump’s former doctor Ronny Jackson helped Pakistan clinch $500 million US mining deal</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“But obviously this will be a process of transition. In the end, it will be up to the Venezuelan people to transform their country. We are prepared under the right conditions, using the leverage that we have, which includes the fact that they cannot move any oil unless we allow them to move it.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rubio also shared that Venezuela’s current interim leaders had asked the US for the oil cargo seized on those two ships to be “part of this deal”.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Meeting Denmark representatives next week: Rubio</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rubio declined to answer questions on whether military intervention would be used in Greenland, but said he is meeting with Denmark representatives next week.&nbsp;</p><p>He added that Trump is not the first president who talked about acquiring Greenland. “Truman did that,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When asked about the US plans for Venezuela, Rubio said the first step is stabilising the country, the second phase will be recovery, and the third will be transition.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>‘The president means what he says. He’s not messing around‘: Hegseth</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth described the US operations in Venezuela as a “historically successful” operation.</p><p>He said the US military is the only one powerful enough to do that: “And the world is taking notice of that… and it continues because two tankers overnight were seized by the US… that leverage will continue.”</p><p>“The president means what he says. He’s not messing around. We are an administration of action … to advance our interest.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>US to take control of Venezuela’s oil sales: Energy secretary Chris Wright</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking at a Goldman Sachs energy conference, US energy secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday that the US plans to take long-term control of Venezuela’s oil sales and oversee the marketing of its crude “indefinitely”.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Wright said Washington intends to manage the sale of Venezuelan oil production directly in global markets. “Going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Venezuela would soon transfer tens of millions of barrels of oil to the United States. Trump said Caracas would send between 30 million and 50 million barrels, and that the US would control the profits from those sales.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-man-dies-after-jumping-into-canal-while-fleeing-mob-in-bangladesh-1767783219761"><strong>Hindu man dies after jumping into canal as mob chases him in Bangladesh</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared that Venezuela’s current interim leaders had asked the US for the oil cargo seized on those two ships to be “part of this deal”. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the United States administration has tremendous control and leverage over what the interim authorities in Venezuela are doing and are able to do and the US is about to execute a deal to take “all the oil that is stuck in Venezuela.” Speaking to reporters at Capitol Hill, Rubio said the US is about to execute a deal to take “all the oil that is stuck in Venezuela.” “We’re going to sell it in the marketplace, at market rates, not at the discounts. That money will then be handled in such a way that we will control how it is disbursed in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people, not corruption, not the regime,” Rubio added. Also Read: China slams US demand for Venezuela oil exclusively, calls it ‘typical bullying’ When reporters asked whether the US is concerned about the interim leader’s loyalty to her deposed predecessor, Rubio said, “The bottom line is that there is a process now in place where we have tremendous control and leverage over what those interim authorities are doing and are able to do.” Venezuela’s interim leaders want seized oil cargo to be part of ‘deal’ “The Venezuelans understand the only way they can move oil and generate revenue, and not have economic collapse, is if they cooperate and work with the United States,” Rubio added. Also Read: Trump’s former doctor Ronny Jackson helped Pakistan clinch $500 million US mining deal “But obviously this will be a process of transition. In the end, it will be up to the Venezuelan people to transform their country. We are prepared under the right conditions, using the leverage that we have, which includes the fact that they cannot move any oil unless we allow them to move it.” Rubio also shared that Venezuela’s current interim leaders had asked the US for the oil cargo seized on those two ships to be “part of this deal”. Meeting Denmark representatives next week: Rubio Rubio declined to answer questions on whether military intervention would be used in Greenland, but said he is meeting with Denmark representatives next week. He added that Trump is not the first president who talked about acquiring Greenland. “Truman did that,” he said. When asked about the US plans for Venezuela, Rubio said the first step is stabilising the country, the second phase will be recovery, and the third will be transition. ‘The president means what he says. He’s not messing around‘: Hegseth Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth described the US operations in Venezuela as a “historically successful” operation. He said the US military is the only one powerful enough to do that: “And the world is taking notice of that… and it continues because two tankers overnight were seized by the US… that leverage will continue.” “The president means what he says. He’s not messing around. We are an administration of action … to advance our interest.” US to take control of Venezuela’s oil sales: Energy secretary Chris Wright Speaking at a Goldman Sachs energy conference, US energy secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday that the US plans to take long-term control of Venezuela’s oil sales and oversee the marketing of its crude “indefinitely”. Wright said Washington intends to manage the sale of Venezuelan oil production directly in global markets. “Going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace,” he said. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Venezuela would soon transfer tens of millions of barrels of oil to the United States. Trump said Caracas would send between 30 million and 50 million barrels, and that the US would control the profits from those sales. Also Read: Hindu man dies after jumping into canal as mob chases him in Bangladesh

<p>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared that Venezuela’s current interim leaders had asked the US for the oil cargo seized on those two ships to be “part of this deal”.&nbsp;</p>

‘US will take all the oil stuck in Venezuela and sell it in market, at market rates’: Marco Rubio

<p>White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in her press briefing on Wednesday (January 7), said that the US has maximum leverage in the governance of Venezuela. “We're continuing to be in close coordination with the interim authorities, and their decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States of America,” Karoline Leavitt said during the press briefing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>White House also said that there are currently no troops on the ground in Venezuela. When asked about the security of oil workers in Venezuela, the White House said that Trump reserves the right to use the US military if necessary. Trump is also going to meet some of the oil executives on Friday. "The meeting is on Friday, and it's just a meeting to discuss, obviously, the immense opportunity that is before these oil companies right now," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier in the day, the United States seized a second oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, according to the US Southern Command. This marks a further intensification of Washington's crackdown on illegal maritime oil trafficking. The tanker, named M/T Sophia, was intercepted during a pre-dawn operation in international waters. US authorities have labeled the vessel as a stateless, sanctioned "dark fleet" ship allegedly engaged in illicit activities. The US Coast Guard has since taken control of the tanker and is escorting it to the United States, where further decisions will be made regarding its future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The White House also said that an oil tanker intercepted by US forces in the North Atlantic was not legitimately registered as a Russian vessel and was classified as stateless after falsely claiming a national flag. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the ship was part of a Venezuelan “shadow fleet” involved in transporting oil under sanctions. She said the tanker was seized under a judicial order, and as a result, its crew now faces potential prosecution.<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-may-be-deported-us-cautions-international-students-against-violation-of-laws-details-on-advisory-1767799946678"><strong>'You may be deported': US cautions international students against violation of laws. Details on advisory</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to Southern Command, the operation was a joint effort between the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. US officials highlighted that the tanker lacked a valid national registry at the time of its interception, leading to its designation as stateless under international maritime law. This seizure follows a months-long pursuit of a different tanker, previously known as Marinera. That vessel was targeted last month in the Caribbean for suspected involvement in transporting sanctioned oil linked to Iran and Venezuela. After evading an attempted boarding, the ship reportedly altered its course, changed its name, and re-registered under a Russian flag, after initially falsely claiming to be registered in Guyana.</p>

'US has 'maximum leverage' in governance of Venezuela': White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in her press briefing on Wednesday (January 7), said that the US has maximum leverage in the governance of Venezuela. “We're continuing to be in close coordination with the interim authorities, and their decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States of America,” Karoline Leavitt said during the press briefing. White House also said that there are currently no troops on the ground in Venezuela. When asked about the security of oil workers in Venezuela, the White House said that Trump reserves the right to use the US military if necessary. Trump is also going to meet some of the oil executives on Friday. "The meeting is on Friday, and it's just a meeting to discuss, obviously, the immense opportunity that is before these oil companies right now," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. Earlier in the day, the United States seized a second oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, according to the US Southern Command. This marks a further intensification of Washington's crackdown on illegal maritime oil trafficking. The tanker, named M/T Sophia, was intercepted during a pre-dawn operation in international waters. US authorities have labeled the vessel as a stateless, sanctioned "dark fleet" ship allegedly engaged in illicit activities. The US Coast Guard has since taken control of the tanker and is escorting it to the United States, where further decisions will be made regarding its future. The White House also said that an oil tanker intercepted by US forces in the North Atlantic was not legitimately registered as a Russian vessel and was classified as stateless after falsely claiming a national flag. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the ship was part of a Venezuelan “shadow fleet” involved in transporting oil under sanctions. She said the tanker was seized under a judicial order, and as a result, its crew now faces potential prosecution. Also Read: 'You may be deported': US cautions international students against violation of laws. Details on advisory According to Southern Command, the operation was a joint effort between the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. US officials highlighted that the tanker lacked a valid national registry at the time of its interception, leading to its designation as stateless under international maritime law. This seizure follows a months-long pursuit of a different tanker, previously known as Marinera. That vessel was targeted last month in the Caribbean for suspected involvement in transporting sanctioned oil linked to Iran and Venezuela. After evading an attempted boarding, the ship reportedly altered its course, changed its name, and re-registered under a Russian flag, after initially falsely claiming to be registered in Guyana.

<p>White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during a press briefing on Wednesday (January 7), said that currently there are no troops in Venezuela and that the US has maximum leverage in the governance of Venezuela</p>

<p>On Wednesday (Jan 7), the United States Embassy issued an advisory to Indian students pursuing education in America. The announcement warned students on violation of American laws can lead to visa cancellations, deportation, and long-term restrictions on future travel. The advisory, further noted that a US visa is a privilege and not a guaranteed right. It laid emphasis on the fact that entry into the US depends on continued compliance with the country's laws and regulations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The embassy posted, “Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and don’t jeopardize your travel. A US visa is a privilege, not a right.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-widens-visa-bond-program-adds-25-more-countries-to-list-see-complete-list-here-1767788675414"><strong>US President Donald Trump administration widens visa bond program, adds 25 more countries to list. See complete list here</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>These warnings are not unusual and are issued from time to time, but this particular notice points at beefed-up security and closer monitoring of entry and exit formalities.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and don’t jeopardize your travel. A U.S. visa is a… <a href="https://t.co/A3qyoo6fuD">pic.twitter.com/A3qyoo6fuD</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/2008849111848525927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Earlier in December 2025, a US federal judge upheld Trump’s decision to apply $100,000 processing fee for H-1B visa applications. The court cited that it could "inflict significant harm on American businesses and institutions of higher education." District Judge Beryl Howell opined that the US president has "broad statutory authority" to address "a problem he perceives to be a matter of economic and national security."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The decision to update the application fee was announced earlier this year in September. And on being announced, it left companies with mere 36 hours to get it into effect and this led chaotic situations, which added to the confusion. People were unclear as to who would be impacted by the Trump administration's decision.</p>

The advisory noted that a US visa is a privilege and not a guaranteed right. It laid emphasis on the fact that entry into the US depends on continued compliance with the country's laws and regulations.

On Wednesday (Jan 7), the United States Embassy issued an advisory to Indian students pursuing education in America. The announcement warned students on violation of American laws can lead to visa cancellations, deportation, and long-term restrictions on future travel. The advisory, further noted that a US visa is a privilege and not a guaranteed right. It laid emphasis on the fact that entry into the US depends on continued compliance with the country's laws and regulations. The embassy posted, “Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and don’t jeopardize your travel. A US visa is a privilege, not a right.” Also read: US President Donald Trump administration widens visa bond program, adds 25 more countries to list. See complete list here These warnings are not unusual and are issued from time to time, but this particular notice points at beefed-up security and closer monitoring of entry and exit formalities.

<p>The advisory noted that a US visa is a privilege and not a guaranteed right. It laid emphasis on the fact that entry into the US depends on continued compliance with the country's laws and regulations.</p>

'You may be deported': US cautions international students against violation of laws. Details on advisory

<p>The United States has seized a second oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, as per the US Southern Command, marking another escalation in Washington’s efforts to crack down on illicit maritime oil trade. The vessel, identified as M/T Sophia, was intercepted during a pre-dawn operation in international waters. US officials described the tanker as a stateless, sanctioned “dark fleet” ship allegedly involved in illegal activities. The US Coast Guard has taken control of the vessel and is escorting it to the United States, where authorities will determine its final disposition.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-demand-for-venezuela-oil-exclusively-calls-it-typical-bullying-1767794505500"><strong>China slams US demand for Venezuela oil exclusively, calls it ‘typical bullying’</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Southern Command said the operation was carried out jointly by the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. Officials said that the tanker lacked a legitimate national registry at the time of interception, a factor that contributed to its classification as stateless under international maritime law. The seizure follows weeks of US pursuit tied to a separate tanker previously known as Marinera. That vessel was initially targeted last month in the Caribbean when it was suspected of transporting sanctioned oil shipments believed to be linked to Iran and Venezuela. After evading an attempted boarding, the tanker reportedly altered its route, changed its name, and re-registered under a Russian flag, having earlier falsely claimed Guyanese registration.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident.<br><br>The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and… <a href="https://t.co/JQm9gHprPk">pic.twitter.com/JQm9gHprPk</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2008905619424620879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Pete Hegseth, in a post on X, said, “The United States continues to enforce the blockade against all dark fleet vessels illegally transporting Venezuelan oil to finance illicit activity, stealing from the Venezuelan people. Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce—as determined by the U.S.—will be permitted.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>US authorities allege the vessel has a history of transporting Venezuelan crude oil, though it was believed to be empty at the time of the seizure. During its flight from enforcement, the ship was tracked across the North Atlantic, with reports suggesting Russia deployed a submarine to assist in its escort.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Tracking data showed the tanker abruptly shifted course southward and slowed to approximately eight knots earlier this week, placing it roughly 200 kilometers south of Iceland before US forces intervened. Southern Command reiterated that the tanker was engaged in illicit operations at the time of the interdiction. The latest seizure comes amid heightened US scrutiny of oil shipments tied to sanctioned states, including Russia and Venezuela, as Washington intensifies enforcement against vessels attempting to bypass international restrictions.</p><h2>Moscow slams US over use of force</h2><p>Moscow on Wednesday (January 7) condemned the United States following the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic, after US forces tracked the vessel from the coast of Venezuela. "In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in waters on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states," Russia's transport ministry said in a statement.</p><h2>Tanker was ‘our vessel’, says Russia</h2><p>Russia's Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the situation surrounding the Russian oil tanker Marinera before its seizure. The ministry's statement, which was reported by the Tass news agency, said that a US Coast Guard vessel had been trailing the Marinera for several days, despite the tanker being located roughly 4,000 km from the US coastline. On Wednesday, maritime tracking platforms indicated that the ship was situated between Scotland and Iceland, heading north. A US official later verified that the vessel was indeed in the North Atlantic.</p>

US seizes second Venezuela-linked oil tanker in Caribbean Sea; Moscow slams US over use of force

The United States has seized a second oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, as per the US Southern Command, marking another escalation in Washington’s efforts to crack down on illicit maritime oil trade. The vessel, identified as M/T Sophia, was intercepted during a pre-dawn operation in international waters. US officials described the tanker as a stateless, sanctioned “dark fleet” ship allegedly involved in illegal activities. The US Coast Guard has taken control of the vessel and is escorting it to the United States, where authorities will determine its final disposition. Also Read: China slams US demand for Venezuela oil exclusively, calls it ‘typical bullying’ Southern Command said the operation was carried out jointly by the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. Officials said that the tanker lacked a legitimate national registry at the time of interception, a factor that contributed to its classification as stateless under international maritime law. The seizure follows weeks of US pursuit tied to a separate tanker previously known as Marinera. That vessel was initially targeted last month in the Caribbean when it was suspected of transporting sanctioned oil shipments believed to be linked to Iran and Venezuela. After evading an attempted boarding, the tanker reportedly altered its route, changed its name, and re-registered under a Russian flag, having earlier falsely claimed Guyanese registration.

<p>US forces have seized the sanctioned tanker M/T Sophia in the Caribbean Sea, alleging illicit activities; it’s now being escorted to the US after prior pursuit of another vessel</p>

<p>Reacting to media reports of the United States demanding Venezuela’s exclusive oil partnership with Washington, China said on Wednesday that the demand was a “typical bullying” act and a violation of both Venezuelan sovereignty and international law. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over its oil resources and economic activities. The legitimate rights and interests of other countries in Venezuela, including those of China, must be protected, Mao Ning said at a regular news briefing in Beijing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>China is Venezuela’s second-largest trade partner after the US, and the current bilateral volume stands at around $7 billion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">China condemns US undermining of Venezuela&#39;s sovereignty and Int. law — FM Spox Mao Ning<br><br>&#39;Typical bullying act&#39; from US <a href="https://t.co/ZYzfbA2FBZ">pic.twitter.com/ZYzfbA2FBZ</a></p>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/2008898803965870568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-former-doctor-ronny-jackson-helped-pakistan-clinch-500-million-us-mining-deal-1767787894652"><strong>Trump’s former doctor Ronny Jackson helped Pakistan clinch $500 million US mining deal</strong></a></p><p> </p><p>The condemnation follows a report by ABC News saying the Trump administration has presented interim President Delcy Rodriguez with a set of demands, including that Caracas partner exclusively with the US on oil production, favour American buyers for heavy crude, and expel Chinese, Russian, Iranian, and Cuban economic interests. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-man-dies-after-jumping-into-canal-while-fleeing-mob-in-bangladesh-1767783219761"><strong>Hindu man dies after jumping into canal as mob chases him in Bangladesh</strong></a></p><p> </p><p>Mao Ning said China and other nations also have legitimate rights in Venezuela protected by domestic and international laws and emphasised that bilateral cooperation agreements are between sovereign states. She also accused the US of having abused illegal sanctions that harmed Venezuela’s development.</p><p> </p><p>“Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over its oil resources and economic activities,” Mao Ning told reporters.</p><p>“Let me stress that China and other countries have legitimate rights in Venezuela, which must be protected,” Mao added.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-melania-hates-it-maduro-copies-it-trump-s-bizarre-claim-on-his-dance-moves-after-venezuela-operation-1767780363208"><strong>‘Melania hates it, Maduro copies it’: Trump’s bizarre claim on his dance moves after Venezuela operation</strong></a></p><p> </p><p>The clash comes after a US military intervention over the weekend, when American forces targeted Venezuelan infrastructure, and special forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. </p><p>President Donald Trump has announced that the Rodriguez administration agreed to transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the US for market sale. The US has framed its actions as enforcing the Monroe Doctrine and combating narco-trafficking while explicitly securing influence over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. </p><p>China has condemned US actions and termed them coercive and unlawful.</p><p> </p><p><strong>lso Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sends-submarine-to-shadow-oil-tanker-chased-by-us-near-venezuela-watch-1767779992738"><strong>Russia sends submarine to shadow oil tanker chased by US near Venezuela | Watch</strong></a></p>

Mao Ning said China and other nations have legitimate rights in Venezuela protected by domestic and international laws and emphasised that bilateral agreements are between sovereign states. She also accused the US of having abused illegal sanctions that harmed Venezuela’s development.

Reacting to media reports of the United States demanding Venezuela’s exclusive oil partnership with Washington, China said on Wednesday that the demand was a “typical bullying” act and a violation of both Venezuelan sovereignty and international law. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over its oil resources and economic activities. The legitimate rights and interests of other countries in Venezuela, including those of China, must be protected, Mao Ning said at a regular news briefing in Beijing. China is Venezuela’s second-largest trade partner after the US, and the current bilateral volume stands at around $7 billion.

<p>Mao Ning said China and other nations have legitimate rights in Venezuela protected by domestic and international laws and emphasised that bilateral agreements are between sovereign states. She also accused the US of having abused illegal sanctions that harmed Venezuela’s development.</p>

China slams US demand for Venezuela oil exclusively, calls it ‘typical bullying’

<p>US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his interest in acquiring Greenland. The Trump administration has been weighing its options, either to use a military operation or to purchase it with money. The White House, in a statement, said that the US views the Arctic as key to national security to deter its adversaries in the region.&nbsp;</p><h2>Why do the US want Greenland?</h2><p>The arctic nation of Greenland is positioned between Russia and the United States, is of high strategic importance for the dominance of Arctic security. The US National Security Strategy 2025 reveals a "Trump Corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine, asserting that the Western Hemisphere should remain under US influence, free of any incursion from its adversaries like Russia and China.&nbsp;</p><p>Greenland has diverse natural resources, from large amounts of oil and gas to critical rare earth elements such as lithium, copper, and uranium, which are vital for technologies of the future, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles, energy storage technologies, and national security applications. Accessing Greenland will allow the &nbsp;US to decrease its dependence on China for rare earth elements.&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, Greenland sits at the strategic "GIUK gap" &nbsp;(Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom). It's a key corridor to monitor Russian naval movement between the Arctic and Atlantic. The US already has a Cold War era base, Pituffik Space Base, critical to missile warning and could help in creating Trump's ambitious Golden Dome against ballistic missile threat.&nbsp;</p><p>The island nation becomes more important with global warming and the resulting melting ice creating a new shipping route that will drastically reduce travelling time compared to the Suez Canal. So control over Greenland will allow the US better strategic control over these emerging trade routes.&nbsp;</p><p>“A more recent and emerging threat or factor is the fact that Greenland straddles two potential shipping routes through the Arctic, the Northwest Passage and the Transpolar Sea Route," said Otto Svendsen, associate fellow with the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank.</p><p>“Trump is a real estate guy,” Clayton Allen, head of practice at Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy, told CNBC “Greenland is sitting on some of the most valuable real estate in terms of economic advantage and strategic defence for the next three to five decades.”</p><h2>Can the US acquire Greenland?</h2><p>According to a report by the NYT, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US wants to buy Greenland, and the recent rhetoric does not imply an imminent threat. “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal,” said White House in a statement. But Denmark has repeatedly asserted that Greenland is not for sale, and said that any attack on a NATO country means the end of the alliance. This might just sit well with Russia, China and the Global South.</p>

Trump weighs money or force to acquire Greenland. Here’s why the US considers the Arctic island vital to security, resources, and global power politics.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his interest in acquiring Greenland. The Trump administration has been weighing its options, either to use a military operation or to purchase it with money. The White House, in a statement, said that the US views the Arctic as key to national security to deter its adversaries in the region. Why do the US want Greenland? The arctic nation of Greenland is positioned between Russia and the United States, is of high strategic importance for the dominance of Arctic security. The US National Security Strategy 2025 reveals a "Trump Corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine, asserting that the Western Hemisphere should remain under US influence, free of any incursion from its adversaries like Russia and China. Greenland has diverse natural resources, from large amounts of oil and gas to critical rare earth elements such as lithium, copper, and uranium, which are vital for technologies of the future, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles, energy storage technologies, and national security applications. Accessing Greenland will allow the US to decrease its dependence on China for rare earth elements. Moreover, Greenland sits at the strategic "GIUK gap" (Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom). It's a key corridor to monitor Russian naval movement between the Arctic and Atlantic. The US already has a Cold War era base, Pituffik Space Base, critical to missile warning and could help in creating Trump's ambitious Golden Dome against ballistic missile threat. The island nation becomes more important with global warming and the resulting melting ice creating a new shipping route that will drastically reduce travelling time compared to the Suez Canal. So control over Greenland will allow the US better strategic control over these emerging trade routes. “A more recent and emerging threat or factor is the fact that Greenland straddles two potential shipping routes through the Arctic, the Northwest Passage and the Transpolar Sea Route," said Otto Svendsen, associate fellow with the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank. “Trump is a real estate guy,” Clayton Allen, head of practice at Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy, told CNBC “Greenland is sitting on some of the most valuable real estate in terms of economic advantage and strategic defence for the next three to five decades.” Can the US acquire Greenland? According to a report by the NYT, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US wants to buy Greenland, and the recent rhetoric does not imply an imminent threat. “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal,” said White House in a statement. But Denmark has repeatedly asserted that Greenland is not for sale, and said that any attack on a NATO country means the end of the alliance. This might just sit well with Russia, China and the Global South.

<p>Trump weighs money or force to acquire Greenland. Here’s why the US considers the Arctic island vital to security, resources, and global power politics.</p>

Why Trump wants Greenland and whether the US could buy or seize it

<p>A stray dog from India, named Aloka, has captured the hearts of people worldwide by joining a group of Buddhist Monks on their mission to promote world peace. The journey, known as the Walk for Peace, spans 3,700 kilometers across 10 US states, starting in Fort Worth, Texas, and ending in Washington, DC. The monks started their walk on October 10 and expect it to take about 120 days to complete.</p><h2>What is the Walk for Peace?</h2><p>The Walk for Peace is a peace-promoting march organised by the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center. Its goal is to spread messages of peace, kindness, and compassion not just in the US, but globally. The monks aim to raise awareness through their journey, touching hearts in each city they pass through.</p>

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTDkcbQkthy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Aloka the Peace Dog (@alokathepeacedog)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<h2>Who is Aloka the Peace Dog?</h2><p>Aloka, a stray from India, has become an unexpected and cherished companion to the monks on their journey. The brown-and-white dog, identifiable by a heart-shaped mark on his forehead, started following the monks during their previous journey in India, where he walked with them for over 100 days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Now, in the US, Aloka continues to walk alongside the monks, receiving regular vet check-ups and affection from supporters who have made him an online sensation. According to the Walk for Peace's Facebook page, Aloka is about 4 years old and is likely an Indian Pariah dog. His story of transformation from a stray to an emblem of peace resonates with many.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTMfYZWDOHO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTMfYZWDOHO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTMfYZWDOHO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Aloka the Peace Dog (@alokathepeacedog)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p>Aloka’s presence is a constant reminder that the journey toward peace is for all beings, human and animal alike. He now has his own Instagram, where he has over 150,000 followers, and regularly updates fans on his travels. His peaceful demeanor and unwavering companionship with the monks make him an integral part of the walk's mission.</p><p>Currently, Aloka and the monks are in McCormick, South Carolina, on day 73 of their journey. Their peaceful walk continues to inspire others, and their progress is being shared on social media platforms.</p>

Meet Aloka: Indian stray dog joins Buddhist Monks on epic peace walk across the US

A stray dog from India, named Aloka, has captured the hearts of people worldwide by joining a group of Buddhist Monks on their mission to promote world peace. The journey, known as the Walk for Peace, spans 3,700 kilometers across 10 US states, starting in Fort Worth, Texas, and ending in Washington, DC. The monks started their walk on October 10 and expect it to take about 120 days to complete. What is the Walk for Peace? The Walk for Peace is a peace-promoting march organised by the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center. Its goal is to spread messages of peace, kindness, and compassion not just in the US, but globally. The monks aim to raise awareness through their journey, touching hearts in each city they pass through.

<p>Aloka, a stray dog from India, has joined Buddhist monks on a 3,700km journey across the US to spread peace, kindness, and compassion. His Instagram account now has nearly 1.5 lakh followers</p>

<p>France said on Wednesday it is working with allies in response to the United States' ​threat to take over Greenland, as ⁠Europe sought to address the ambitions of US President Donald Trump in the region. A US military move to seize Greenland from Denmark, a longtime ally, would jolt the NATO alliance and further strain relations between Trump ‌and European ‌leaders.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the issue would be discussed later in the day with his German and Polish counterparts. "We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners," he said on France Inter radio.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Leaders from major European countries and Canada have also voiced strong support for Greenland, stressing that the Arctic territory belongs to its people. Their statements came after Trump renewed his push to assert US control over the island, according to a report by Reuters.</p><h3>Denmark has failed to adequately safeguard Greenland&nbsp;</h3><p>Trump has again argued that Greenland is important to US military interests and claimed Denmark has failed to adequately safeguard it. The ‍idea, first raised during his initial term in 2019, has resurfaced, with the White House confirming on Tuesday that Trump is exploring ways to acquire Greenland, which include the possible use of military force, despite firm opposition from Europe.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Barrot also indicated that a US military operation had been ruled out by a top US official. "I myself was on the phone yesterday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (...) who confirmed that ‍this was not the approach taken ... he ruled out the possibility of an invasion (of Greenland)," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After the US military operation captured Venezuela's president had already sparked ⁠concerns, highlighting that Greenland might face a similar scenario. Following the attack on Venezuela, the island nation has continuously stated that it does not want to be included in the United States.</p>

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the issue would be discussed later in the day with his German and Polish counterparts. "We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners," he said on France Inter radio.

France said on Wednesday it is working with allies in response to the United States' threat to take over Greenland, as ⁠Europe sought to address the ambitions of US President Donald Trump in the region. A US military move to seize Greenland from Denmark, a longtime ally, would jolt the NATO alliance and further strain relations between Trump ‌and European ‌leaders. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the issue would be discussed later in the day with his German and Polish counterparts. "We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners," he said on France Inter radio. Leaders from major European countries and Canada have also voiced strong support for Greenland, stressing that the Arctic territory belongs to its people. Their statements came after Trump renewed his push to assert US control over the island, according to a report by Reuters. Denmark has failed to adequately safeguard Greenland Trump has again argued that Greenland is important to US military interests and claimed Denmark has failed to adequately safeguard it. The ‍idea, first raised during his initial term in 2019, has resurfaced, with the White House confirming on Tuesday that Trump is exploring ways to acquire Greenland, which include the possible use of military force, despite firm opposition from Europe. Barrot also indicated that a US military operation had been ruled out by a top US official. "I myself was on the phone yesterday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (...) who confirmed that ‍this was not the approach taken ... he ruled out the possibility of an invasion (of Greenland)," he said. After the US military operation captured Venezuela's president had already sparked ⁠concerns, highlighting that Greenland might face a similar scenario. Following the attack on Venezuela, the island nation has continuously stated that it does not want to be included in the United States.

<p>French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the issue would be discussed later in the day with his German and Polish counterparts. "We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners," he said on France Inter radio.</p>

Trump’s Greenland ambition alarms Europe; France, allies push back against US' takeover threat

<p>During the US military operation to capture the now-ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the EA-18G Growler aircraft played an important role. These advanced planes were key in disrupting Venezuela’s air defense systems, allowing US forces to operate more securely in the country’s airspace.</p><h2>What are EA-18G Growlers, and what makes them special?</h2><p>The EA-18G Growler, a product of Boeing and a part of the US Navy’s arsenal, is not like typical fighter jets. Unlike standard aircraft that engage in combat, the Growler’s purpose is electronic warfare. Based on the Super Hornet fighter, this aircraft doesn’t carry bombs or missiles; instead, it’s equipped with electronic warfare pods designed to jam and deceive enemy radar and communication systems.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>These systems allow the Growler to confuse or block radar signals, causing enemy defense systems to either lose track of real aircraft or display false targets. Essentially, it ‘blinds’ adversaries, preventing missile systems from locking onto US jets and enhancing overall protection for allied air forces in the region.</p><h2>Growler’s impact in the Venezuela mission</h2><p>In the operation targeting Maduro, a fleet of US aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, drones, and helicopters, was involved. The Growlers were used to weaken Venezuela’s older Soviet-era air defense systems, making it easier for the US to establish a temporary safe zone in the air, ensuring the mission’s rapid success.</p><h2>The importance of electronic warfare</h2><p>This mission underscored how important electronic warfare has become in modern military conflicts. In the past, the US rarely needed to use jamming techniques due to the lack of advanced enemy air defenses. Today, however, the ability to control the electromagnetic spectrum, the range of invisible signals used in radar and communications, has become a key factor in military dominance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Growler’s success in Venezuela demonstrated how technology and signal manipulation can sometimes be more effective than physical destruction, allowing US forces to complete their objectives with minimal risk and collateral damage. As defense experts note, electronic warfare might not be as visually striking as fighter jets or tanks, but it is often the decisive factor in controlling the battlefield and securing victory.</p><h3>Does India have something similar to to the Growler?</h3><p>Currently, India does not have an aircraft like the EA-18G Growler in its fleet. However, the Indian Air Force is actively improving its electronic warfare capabilities by upgrading its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets with advanced EW pods. Additionally, India is exploring options to acquire advanced electronic warfare aircraft similar to the Growler for future missions. India’s interest in such systems is also reflected in joint exercises like the upcoming Tarang Shakti 2024, where Australian Growlers are expected to participate.</p>

How EA-18G Growlers played crucial role for US in their operation to capture Nicolas Maduro

During the US military operation to capture the now-ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the EA-18G Growler aircraft played an important role. These advanced planes were key in disrupting Venezuela’s air defense systems, allowing US forces to operate more securely in the country’s airspace. What are EA-18G Growlers, and what makes them special? The EA-18G Growler, a product of Boeing and a part of the US Navy’s arsenal, is not like typical fighter jets. Unlike standard aircraft that engage in combat, the Growler’s purpose is electronic warfare. Based on the Super Hornet fighter, this aircraft doesn’t carry bombs or missiles; instead, it’s equipped with electronic warfare pods designed to jam and deceive enemy radar and communication systems. These systems allow the Growler to confuse or block radar signals, causing enemy defense systems to either lose track of real aircraft or display false targets. Essentially, it ‘blinds’ adversaries, preventing missile systems from locking onto US jets and enhancing overall protection for allied air forces in the region. Growler’s impact in the Venezuela mission In the operation targeting Maduro, a fleet of US aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, drones, and helicopters, was involved. The Growlers were used to weaken Venezuela’s older Soviet-era air defense systems, making it easier for the US to establish a temporary safe zone in the air, ensuring the mission’s rapid success. The importance of electronic warfare This mission underscored how important electronic warfare has become in modern military conflicts. In the past, the US rarely needed to use jamming techniques due to the lack of advanced enemy air defenses. Today, however, the ability to control the electromagnetic spectrum, the range of invisible signals used in radar and communications, has become a key factor in military dominance. The Growler’s success in Venezuela demonstrated how technology and signal manipulation can sometimes be more effective than physical destruction, allowing US forces to complete their objectives with minimal risk and collateral damage. As defense experts note, electronic warfare might not be as visually striking as fighter jets or tanks, but it is often the decisive factor in controlling the battlefield and securing victory. Does India have something similar to to the Growler? Currently, India does not have an aircraft like the EA-18G Growler in its fleet. However, the Indian Air Force is actively improving its electronic warfare capabilities by upgrading its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets with advanced EW pods. Additionally, India is exploring options to acquire advanced electronic warfare aircraft similar to the Growler for future missions. India’s interest in such systems is also reflected in joint exercises like the upcoming Tarang Shakti 2024, where Australian Growlers are expected to participate.

<p>The EA-18G Growler's electronic warfare capabilities were vital in disrupting Venezuela's air defense during the mission to capture President Nicolas Maduro</p>

<p>The Trump administration has expanded the policy that requires some visa applicants to pay a large refundable bond before traveling to the United States. The State Department announced this week that 25 more countries have been added to the visa bond list. This comes less than a week after seven countries were added. With the latest update, travelers from 38 countries may now be required to pay a bond of up to $15,000 when applying for a US visa. The new rule will take effect on January 21, 2026.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Most of the countries affected are in Africa, though several are in Latin America and Asia. For many people, the cost of the bond could make it very difficult or impossible to apply for a US visa. US officials say the bond system helps make sure visitors do not stay in the country longer than their visas allow. The bond amount can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the applicant.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-former-doctor-ronny-jackson-helped-pakistan-clinch-500-million-us-mining-deal-1767787894652"><strong>Trump’s former doctor Ronny Jackson helped Pakistan clinch $500 million US mining deal</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Paying the bond does not guarantee that a visa will be approved. However, the money is returned if the visa is denied or if the traveler follows all visa rules and leaves the US on time. This policy is part of a broader effort by the administration to tighten entry rules. Other measures include requiring most visa applicants to attend in-person interviews and provide detailed information about their travel history, living arrangements, and social media activity.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The newly added countries include Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Cuba, Nigeria, Nepal, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and many others. They join countries already on the list, such as Bhutan, Botswana, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, and Zambia.</p><p>The expanded bond requirement is expected to affect thousands of travelers seeking to visit the United States for tourism, business, or family reasons.</p><h2>See the complete list here</h2><p><strong>Asia:</strong> Bangladesh, Nepal</p><p><strong>Africa:</strong> Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Djibouti, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe</p><p><strong>Latin America/CaribbeanAntigua and Barbuda: </strong>Cuba, Dominica, Venezuela'</p><p><strong>Central Asia:</strong> Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan</p><p><strong>OceaniaFiji: </strong>Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu</p>

Trump administration widens visa bond program, adds 25 more countries to list. See complete list here

The Trump administration has expanded the policy that requires some visa applicants to pay a large refundable bond before traveling to the United States. The State Department announced this week that 25 more countries have been added to the visa bond list. This comes less than a week after seven countries were added. With the latest update, travelers from 38 countries may now be required to pay a bond of up to $15,000 when applying for a US visa. The new rule will take effect on January 21, 2026. Most of the countries affected are in Africa, though several are in Latin America and Asia. For many people, the cost of the bond could make it very difficult or impossible to apply for a US visa. US officials say the bond system helps make sure visitors do not stay in the country longer than their visas allow. The bond amount can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the applicant. Also Read: Trump’s former doctor Ronny Jackson helped Pakistan clinch $500 million US mining deal Paying the bond does not guarantee that a visa will be approved. However, the money is returned if the visa is denied or if the traveler follows all visa rules and leaves the US on time. This policy is part of a broader effort by the administration to tighten entry rules. Other measures include requiring most visa applicants to attend in-person interviews and provide detailed information about their travel history, living arrangements, and social media activity. The newly added countries include Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Cuba, Nigeria, Nepal, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and many others. They join countries already on the list, such as Bhutan, Botswana, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, and Zambia. The expanded bond requirement is expected to affect thousands of travelers seeking to visit the United States for tourism, business, or family reasons. See the complete list here Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Djibouti, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe Latin America/CaribbeanAntigua and Barbuda: Cuba, Dominica, Venezuela' Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan OceaniaFiji: Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu

<p>US expands visa bond rule to 38 countries, requiring refundable deposits up to $15,000 on visa applications, raising costs for many travelers</p>

<p>Former White House physician Ronny Jackson, a retired Navy doctor, is reported to have played a key role in assisting Pakistan in clinching a major mining and rare earths agreement with the US and being a central figure in the negotiations. Jackson’s direct engagement with Pakistani authorities, as recorded in filings with the US Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), reveals his pivotal position in shaping the $500 million deal. Jackson served in the White House during three presidential administrations, including Trump’s.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-man-dies-after-jumping-into-canal-while-fleeing-mob-in-bangladesh-1767783219761"><strong>Hindu man dies after jumping into canal as mob chases him in Bangladesh</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to FARA filings by Javelin Advisors LLC and Conscience Point Consulting, Jackson held an in-person meeting on May 1 with Pakistani officials to discuss the rare earths deal shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack, says a report in Economic Times. The meeting was followed by a telephone conversation on May 6 concerning the potential for India-Pakistan conflict, as New Delhi commenced Operation Sindoor. A call on May 16 after the ceasefire helped arrange a dinner meeting that paved the way for further discussions in May.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Finally, a phone call on May 28 led to an email containing the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the mining deal. In the following days, call and text messages were exchanged regarding ‘Rare earths development and proposed MoU’ that culminated in a $500 million deal between US Strategic Metals and Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation in September.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-melania-hates-it-maduro-copies-it-trump-s-bizarre-claim-on-his-dance-moves-after-venezuela-operation-1767780363208"><strong>‘Melania hates it, Maduro copies it’: Trump’s bizarre claim on his dance moves after Venezuela operation</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, Jackson had introduced a bill during President Joe Biden’s administration that sought to remove Pakistan’s major non-NATO ally status.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jackson is now a principal contact for Pakistan’s interests in the US, particularly for Javelin Advisors LLC operated by Keith Schiller and George Sorial, both with prior connections to Donald Trump and his organisation.</p><p>The broader lobbying for Pakistan is coordinated by Robert Seiden of Seiden Law LLP, who holds a stake in Javelin Advisors and subcontracted Conscience Point Consulting, the report added.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sends-submarine-to-shadow-oil-tanker-chased-by-us-near-venezuela-watch-1767779992738"><strong>Russia sends submarine to shadow oil tanker chased by US near Venezuela | Watch</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jackson has previously represented Trump’s mining interests in Congo and Rwanda, playing an instrumental role in facilitating diplomatic meetings that led to a peace agreement between the two countries, signed in the presence of Trump.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The FARA filings also reveal that two more Texas-based lawmakers and former Navy officers, Dan Renshaw and Morgan Luttrell, were roped in during Operation Sindoor. Renshaw produced a podcast stressing the risks of Indo-Pakistani military escalation, echoing strategic priorities expressed by Rawalpindi in Washington.</p>

Earlier, during President Joe Biden’s administration, former White House physician Ronny Jackson had introduced a bill that sought to remove Pakistan’s major non-NATO ally status. Jackson is now a principal contact for Pakistan’s interests in the US, particularly for Javelin Advisors LLC.

Former White House physician Ronny Jackson, a retired Navy doctor, is reported to have played a key role in assisting Pakistan in clinching a major mining and rare earths agreement with the US and being a central figure in the negotiations. Jackson’s direct engagement with Pakistani authorities, as recorded in filings with the US Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), reveals his pivotal position in shaping the $500 million deal. Jackson served in the White House during three presidential administrations, including Trump’s. Also Read: Hindu man dies after jumping into canal as mob chases him in Bangladesh According to FARA filings by Javelin Advisors LLC and Conscience Point Consulting, Jackson held an in-person meeting on May 1 with Pakistani officials to discuss the rare earths deal shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack, says a report in Economic Times. The meeting was followed by a telephone conversation on May 6 concerning the potential for India-Pakistan conflict, as New Delhi commenced Operation Sindoor. A call on May 16 after the ceasefire helped arrange a dinner meeting that paved the way for further discussions in May. Finally, a phone call on May 28 led to an email containing the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the mining deal. In the following days, call and text messages were exchanged regarding ‘Rare earths development and proposed MoU’ that culminated in a $500 million deal between US Strategic Metals and Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organisation in September. Also Read: ‘Melania hates it, Maduro copies it’: Trump’s bizarre claim on his dance moves after Venezuela operation Earlier, Jackson had introduced a bill during President Joe Biden’s administration that sought to remove Pakistan’s major non-NATO ally status. Jackson is now a principal contact for Pakistan’s interests in the US, particularly for Javelin Advisors LLC operated by Keith Schiller and George Sorial, both with prior connections to Donald Trump and his organisation. The broader lobbying for Pakistan is coordinated by Robert Seiden of Seiden Law LLP, who holds a stake in Javelin Advisors and subcontracted Conscience Point Consulting, the report added. Also Read: Russia sends submarine to shadow oil tanker chased by US near Venezuela | Watch Jackson has previously represented Trump’s mining interests in Congo and Rwanda, playing an instrumental role in facilitating diplomatic meetings that led to a peace agreement between the two countries, signed in the presence of Trump. The FARA filings also reveal that two more Texas-based lawmakers and former Navy officers, Dan Renshaw and Morgan Luttrell, were roped in during Operation Sindoor. Renshaw produced a podcast stressing the risks of Indo-Pakistani military escalation, echoing strategic priorities expressed by Rawalpindi in Washington.

<p>Earlier, during President Joe Biden’s administration, former White House physician Ronny Jackson had introduced a bill that sought to remove Pakistan’s major non-NATO ally status. Jackson is now a principal contact for Pakistan’s interests in the US, particularly for Javelin Advisors LLC.</p>

Trump’s former doctor Ronny Jackson helped Pakistan clinch $500 million US mining deal

<p>Every year on 5 January, Pakistan observes what it calls “Right to Self-Determination Day” for Jammu and Kashmir, commemorating a 1949 United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution. This annual event witnesses propaganda speeches by Pakistani leadership on so-called "right to self-determination" in Kashmir. 2026 was no different with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other officials issuing propaganda statements, almost pavlovian in nature, serving no purpose. Both the state, and the people know, nothing is changing by these statements. Statements urged the international community and the United Nations to implement UN resolutions as ISPR or military backed events take place in cities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, these events have no international attention. There were no significant statements, endorsements, or reactions from major global bodies such as the United Nations itself, or even Pakistan's "inner circle allies". Pakistan's official narrative often references the 1948-1949 UN resolutions, which called for an end to hostilities between India and Pakistan after the latter sent tribal fighters to attack Kashmir.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Those resolutions conditioned any plebiscite on the prior withdrawal of Pakistani forces and irregular fighters from the areas under their control, a step that never occurred. Over time, the UN shifted toward encouraging direct bilateral resolution between India and Pakistan, a position reinforced by the 1972 Simla Agreement, which both countries accepted.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan's statements on so called "self-determination" rarely address realities in the territories under its occupation-Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. In these areas, real decision-making power remains with the federal government in Islamabad, with limited local autonomy. Gilgit-Baltistan, strategically vital and taxed by Pakistan, lacks full parliamentary representation for its residents. Political groups advocating independence face restrictions, and media freedoms are constrained. Recent years have seen protests in these regions over governance, resources, and rights, issues seldom highlighted in Pakistan's international stance on Kashmir.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan frequently portrays violence in India's UT of J&amp;K as an indigenous movement, though it is fact of life now, how Rawalpindi has been supporting terrorism in the region. From the attack on Srinagar legislative assembly to Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam terror attacks. In contrast, the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has held elections and pursued infrastructure development. Pakistan's annual observance relies on a selective interpretation of history, diverting focus from the growing crisis in POK and Gilgit-Baltistan, ready to blow, any day.</p><p><br>&nbsp;</p>

Both the state, and the people know, nothing is changing by these statements. Statements urged the international community and the United Nations to implement UN resolutions as ISPR or military backed events take place in cities.

Every year on 5 January, Pakistan observes what it calls “Right to Self-Determination Day” for Jammu and Kashmir, commemorating a 1949 United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution. This annual event witnesses propaganda speeches by Pakistani leadership on so-called "right to self-determination" in Kashmir. 2026 was no different with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other officials issuing propaganda statements, almost pavlovian in nature, serving no purpose. Both the state, and the people know, nothing is changing by these statements. Statements urged the international community and the United Nations to implement UN resolutions as ISPR or military backed events take place in cities. However, these events have no international attention. There were no significant statements, endorsements, or reactions from major global bodies such as the United Nations itself, or even Pakistan's "inner circle allies". Pakistan's official narrative often references the 1948-1949 UN resolutions, which called for an end to hostilities between India and Pakistan after the latter sent tribal fighters to attack Kashmir. Those resolutions conditioned any plebiscite on the prior withdrawal of Pakistani forces and irregular fighters from the areas under their control, a step that never occurred. Over time, the UN shifted toward encouraging direct bilateral resolution between India and Pakistan, a position reinforced by the 1972 Simla Agreement, which both countries accepted. Pakistan's statements on so called "self-determination" rarely address realities in the territories under its occupation-Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. In these areas, real decision-making power remains with the federal government in Islamabad, with limited local autonomy. Gilgit-Baltistan, strategically vital and taxed by Pakistan, lacks full parliamentary representation for its residents. Political groups advocating independence face restrictions, and media freedoms are constrained. Recent years have seen protests in these regions over governance, resources, and rights, issues seldom highlighted in Pakistan's international stance on Kashmir. Pakistan frequently portrays violence in India's UT of J&K as an indigenous movement, though it is fact of life now, how Rawalpindi has been supporting terrorism in the region. From the attack on Srinagar legislative assembly to Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam terror attacks. In contrast, the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has held elections and pursued infrastructure development. Pakistan's annual observance relies on a selective interpretation of history, diverting focus from the growing crisis in POK and Gilgit-Baltistan, ready to blow, any day.

<p>Both the state, and the people know, nothing is changing by these statements. Statements urged the international community and the United Nations to implement UN resolutions as ISPR or military backed events take place in cities.</p>

No takers for Pakistan's annual 5th January Kashmir Propaganda

<p>The United States publicly endorsed a new security framework publicly signed by Ukraine, France and the UK on Tuesday, January 6, at a summit in Paris of the "coalition of the willing" to reassure Ukraine in the case of a ceasefire with Russia. Officials from 35 countries were gathered for the meeting. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a trilateral “declaration of intent” that paves the way for the deployment of French and British troops on Ukrainian soil. However, countries like Italy and Poland have ruled out troop deployment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraine’s defensive needs,” said Starmer in a joint press conference. The summit was attended by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as America's top general in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich.</p><p>"Those security protocols are meant to ... deter any attacks, any further attacks in Ukraine, and ... if there are any attacks, they're meant to defend, and they will do both. They are as strong as anyone has ever seen," said Steve Witkoff. Kushner said if Ukraine makes a final deal, they have to know they are secure after the deal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Macron asserted that the force is to explicitly serve as a deterrent rather than engage in frontline combat. The allies also broadly agreed on legally binding security guarantees which might involve military, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives and further sanctions for Russia if it decides to attack Ukraine again. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that there were discussions among the officials regarding territorial questions, as these have been the major bone of contention between Moscow and Kyiv. Kyiv is unwilling to cede territories, specifically parts of the Donetsk region. The Russian President has demanded control of the Donetsk and Donbas regions. There were reports about establishing Donbas as a free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws, though nothing was agreed upon. Russia had not officially responded to these agreements; it had previously strictly pushed back against any foreign troop deployment or military infrastructure in Ukraine, which is likely to be a flash point of further conflict. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The US endorsed a new Ukraine security framework as the UK and France signed a pact to deploy troops after a ceasefire with Russia.

The United States publicly endorsed a new security framework publicly signed by Ukraine, France and the UK on Tuesday, January 6, at a summit in Paris of the "coalition of the willing" to reassure Ukraine in the case of a ceasefire with Russia. Officials from 35 countries were gathered for the meeting. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a trilateral “declaration of intent” that paves the way for the deployment of French and British troops on Ukrainian soil. However, countries like Italy and Poland have ruled out troop deployment. “Following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraine’s defensive needs,” said Starmer in a joint press conference. The summit was attended by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as America's top general in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich. "Those security protocols are meant to ... deter any attacks, any further attacks in Ukraine, and ... if there are any attacks, they're meant to defend, and they will do both. They are as strong as anyone has ever seen," said Steve Witkoff. Kushner said if Ukraine makes a final deal, they have to know they are secure after the deal. Macron asserted that the force is to explicitly serve as a deterrent rather than engage in frontline combat. The allies also broadly agreed on legally binding security guarantees which might involve military, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives and further sanctions for Russia if it decides to attack Ukraine again. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that there were discussions among the officials regarding territorial questions, as these have been the major bone of contention between Moscow and Kyiv. Kyiv is unwilling to cede territories, specifically parts of the Donetsk region. The Russian President has demanded control of the Donetsk and Donbas regions. There were reports about establishing Donbas as a free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws, though nothing was agreed upon. Russia had not officially responded to these agreements; it had previously strictly pushed back against any foreign troop deployment or military infrastructure in Ukraine, which is likely to be a flash point of further conflict.

<p>The US endorsed a new Ukraine security framework as the UK and France signed a pact to deploy troops after a ceasefire with Russia.</p>

US backs security guarantees for Ukraine as UK and France signal troop deployment after ceasefire

<p>On Wednesday (Jan 7), Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered security forces not to crack down on protesters. He mentioned to draw a clear distinction between peaceful demonstrators and armed "rioters." &nbsp;Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said Pezeshkian had "ordered that no security measures be taken against the demonstrators." This was announcement came as Ghaempanah spoke to news agency Mehr after a cabinet meeting.<br><br>He added, “Those who carry firearms, knives and machetes and who attack police stations and military sites are rioters, and we must distinguish protesters from rioters.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On January 2, Donald Trump warned Iran not to use force on protesters. He assured Iranians that the US will come to their rescue “if Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters” and he further mentioned violence to be “their custom”. He added on his Truth Social post, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J TRUMP.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Iran’s leadership hit back at the warning, with Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying on Friday that any US interference in Iranian protests would lead to chaos across the region. His remarks came after Trump warned Washington would intervene if Iran used lethal force against peaceful demonstrators.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Those in Iran impacted by transient exchange rate volatility have recently been peacefully protesting, as is their right. <br> <br>Separate from that, we have witnessed isolated incidents of violent riots—including attacks on a police station and throwing of Molotov cocktails at police… <a href="https://t.co/ND5oajUuxt">pic.twitter.com/ND5oajUuxt</a></p>&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/2007130223436062794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said America will come to Tehran’s rescue if protesters are attacked, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced his remarks. Araghchi termed it "reckless and dangerous". “Given President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard within U.S. borders, he of all people should know that criminal attacks on public property cannot be tolerated. This is why President Trump’s message today, likely influenced by those who fear diplomacy or mistakenly believe it is unnecessary, is reckless and dangerous. As in the past, the Great People of Iran will forcefully reject any interference in their internal affairs,” the foreign minister added.</p>

Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said Pezeshkian had "ordered that no security measures be taken against the demonstrators." 

On Wednesday (Jan 7), Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered security forces not to crack down on protesters. He mentioned to draw a clear distinction between peaceful demonstrators and armed "rioters." Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said Pezeshkian had "ordered that no security measures be taken against the demonstrators." This was announcement came as Ghaempanah spoke to news agency Mehr after a cabinet meeting. He added, “Those who carry firearms, knives and machetes and who attack police stations and military sites are rioters, and we must distinguish protesters from rioters.” On January 2, Donald Trump warned Iran not to use force on protesters. He assured Iranians that the US will come to their rescue “if Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters” and he further mentioned violence to be “their custom”. He added on his Truth Social post, “We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J TRUMP.” Iran’s leadership hit back at the warning, with Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying on Friday that any US interference in Iranian protests would lead to chaos across the region. His remarks came after Trump warned Washington would intervene if Iran used lethal force against peaceful demonstrators.

<p>Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said Pezeshkian had "ordered that no security measures be taken against the demonstrators."&nbsp;</p>

Do not crack down on protesters: Iran's President Pezeshkian orders security forces

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was inspecting the construction of a memorial for North Korean troops recently, where he gave a lift to his daughter and staff members on a forklift. Images released by KCNA show Ju Ae and some officials standing on a forklift, several inches above the ground, while Kim Jong Un handled the steering wheel. It was a strange scene and an amusing picture as the North Korean leader drove the forklift. The memorial is being built for troops who died ​fighting overseas, KCNA reported. He was there with his daughter Ju Ae and some members of his entourage. Notably, Pyongyang has a mutual ​defence pact with Russia, as part of which North Korea sent around ⁠14,000 soldiers to join the Russian troops against Ukraine. According to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources, more ‍than 6,000 of ​them were killed.</p><h2><strong>Kim termed North Korean soldiers heroes</strong></h2><p>At the site, Kim called these soldiers "heroes who sacrificed ‍themselves ‍without hesitation". He added, "No in the world can overcome such an army that is absolutely loyal to the orders of the party". Russia and North Korea share close military and security relations and are countries that stand against the West. Pyongyang has stood with Moscow in its war against Ukraine and even sent its workers to help with other jobs since there is a lack of workforce due to the war. North Korea and Russia signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-launch-justified-reaction-to-recent-geopolitical-crisis-1767608452926/embed</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At the memorial, Kim participated in tree-planting with his daughter Ju Ae. She wore a red muffler and can be seen shovelling earth with her father in the photos released by state media. Recently, a photo exhibition detailing North Korea's progress under Kim also opened in Pyongyang. Meanwhile, the country tested more ballistic missiles on Monday with Kim watching the first such test this year. South Korea and Japan reported that they detected two hypersonic missiles. Kim said these tests showed that DPRK's (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) nuclear forces were ready to take on the enemies.&nbsp;</p>

Kim Jong Un was seen operating a forklift at the memorial site for slain soldiers, with his daughter and staff standing on it. He liften them up several inches above the ground as well, as seen in bizarre pictures released by KCNA.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was inspecting the construction of a memorial for North Korean troops recently, where he gave a lift to his daughter and staff members on a forklift. Images released by KCNA show Ju Ae and some officials standing on a forklift, several inches above the ground, while Kim Jong Un handled the steering wheel. It was a strange scene and an amusing picture as the North Korean leader drove the forklift. The memorial is being built for troops who died fighting overseas, KCNA reported. He was there with his daughter Ju Ae and some members of his entourage. Notably, Pyongyang has a mutual defence pact with Russia, as part of which North Korea sent around ⁠14,000 soldiers to join the Russian troops against Ukraine. According to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources, more ‍than 6,000 of them were killed. Kim termed North Korean soldiers heroes At the site, Kim called these soldiers "heroes who sacrificed ‍themselves ‍without hesitation". He added, "No in the world can overcome such an army that is absolutely loyal to the orders of the party". Russia and North Korea share close military and security relations and are countries that stand against the West. Pyongyang has stood with Moscow in its war against Ukraine and even sent its workers to help with other jobs since there is a lack of workforce due to the war. North Korea and Russia signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-launch-justified-reaction-to-recent-geopolitical-crisis-1767608452926/embed At the memorial, Kim participated in tree-planting with his daughter Ju Ae. She wore a red muffler and can be seen shovelling earth with her father in the photos released by state media. Recently, a photo exhibition detailing North Korea's progress under Kim also opened in Pyongyang. Meanwhile, the country tested more ballistic missiles on Monday with Kim watching the first such test this year. South Korea and Japan reported that they detected two hypersonic missiles. Kim said these tests showed that DPRK's (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) nuclear forces were ready to take on the enemies.

<p>Kim Jong Un was seen operating a forklift at the memorial site for slain soldiers, with his daughter and staff standing on it. He lifted them up several inches above the ground as well, as seen in bizarre pictures released by KCNA.</p>

Bizarre photos show Kim Jong Un lifting daughter Ju Ae and staff on a forklift

<p>A Hindu man died in Bangladesh after he jumped into a canal in a bid to escape a mob chasing him, police said on Wednesday. The incident took place in the Mahadebpur area of Naogaon district in Bangladesh, which has witnessed a surge in attacks on Hindus since the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2024. The deceased Hindu man was identified as Mithun Sarkar, said Mohammad Tariqul Islam, a senior police official in Naogaon.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, there has been a sharp rise in violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, which is preparing for its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. The targeted violence has triggering widespread outrage among citizens and drawn condemnation from several international human rights organisations</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-melania-hates-it-maduro-copies-it-trump-s-bizarre-claim-on-his-dance-moves-after-venezuela-operation-1767780363208"><strong>‘Melania hates it, Maduro copies it’: Trump’s bizarre claim on his dance moves after Venezuela operation</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mohadevpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahidul Islam confirmed the incident and said that preliminary information suggested the young man had jumped into the canal while being chased by a mob. He added that the body was recovered with the assistance of the fire service and that the matter is being investigated thoroughly. Further legal action will be taken after the autopsy, he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is the latest incident in a series of attacks targeting Hindus in Bangladesh and comes close on the heels of the murder of a 40-year-old Sarat Mani Chakraborty, a Hindu grocery shop owner in Narsingdi city, who was reportedly attacked with sharp weapons at around 10 pm on Monday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sends-submarine-to-shadow-oil-tanker-chased-by-us-near-venezuela-watch-1767779992738"><strong>Russia sends submarine to shadow oil tanker chased by US near Venezuela | Watch</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another 45-year-old factory owner was shot dead in the Jashore district. Rana Pratap, who was also the editor of a newspaper, was shot in the head by a group of men, who also slit his throat.&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, on January 3, Khokon Chandra Das (50) died after he was brutally attacked, hacked, and set on fire.&nbsp;</p><p>The first attack following Hadi’s death occurred on December 18, when a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob after rumours of blasphemy spread. His body was reportedly tied to a tree and set on fire. Subsequent investigations later found the blasphemy allegations to be untrue.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-thank-you-for-the-opportunity-brown-university-shooter-mentions-trump-in-chilling-video-confession-1767766795477"><strong>‘Thank you for the opportunity’: Brown University shooter mentions Trump in chilling video confession</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As of the 2022 census, approximately 13.13 million Hindus reside in Bangladesh, constituting about 7.95 per cent of the total population.</p>

Under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, there has been a sharp rise in violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, which is preparing for its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. 

A Hindu man died in Bangladesh after he jumped into a canal in a bid to escape a mob chasing him, police said on Wednesday. The incident took place in the Mahadebpur area of Naogaon district in Bangladesh, which has witnessed a surge in attacks on Hindus since the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2024. The deceased Hindu man was identified as Mithun Sarkar, said Mohammad Tariqul Islam, a senior police official in Naogaon. Under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, there has been a sharp rise in violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, which is preparing for its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. The targeted violence has triggering widespread outrage among citizens and drawn condemnation from several international human rights organisations Also Read: ‘Melania hates it, Maduro copies it’: Trump’s bizarre claim on his dance moves after Venezuela operation Mohadevpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahidul Islam confirmed the incident and said that preliminary information suggested the young man had jumped into the canal while being chased by a mob. He added that the body was recovered with the assistance of the fire service and that the matter is being investigated thoroughly. Further legal action will be taken after the autopsy, he said. This is the latest incident in a series of attacks targeting Hindus in Bangladesh and comes close on the heels of the murder of a 40-year-old Sarat Mani Chakraborty, a Hindu grocery shop owner in Narsingdi city, who was reportedly attacked with sharp weapons at around 10 pm on Monday. Also Read: Russia sends submarine to shadow oil tanker chased by US near Venezuela | Watch Another 45-year-old factory owner was shot dead in the Jashore district. Rana Pratap, who was also the editor of a newspaper, was shot in the head by a group of men, who also slit his throat. Earlier, on January 3, Khokon Chandra Das (50) died after he was brutally attacked, hacked, and set on fire. The first attack following Hadi’s death occurred on December 18, when a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob after rumours of blasphemy spread. His body was reportedly tied to a tree and set on fire. Subsequent investigations later found the blasphemy allegations to be untrue. Also Read: ‘Thank you for the opportunity’: Brown University shooter mentions Trump in chilling video confession India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. As of the 2022 census, approximately 13.13 million Hindus reside in Bangladesh, constituting about 7.95 per cent of the total population.

<p>Under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, there has been a sharp rise in violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, which is preparing for its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government.&nbsp;</p>

Hindu man dies after jumping into canal as mob chases him in Bangladesh

<p>US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 5) accused Nicolas Maduro of imitating his dance as he celebrated the capture of the Venezuelan leader. He added that First Lady Melania “hates” his dance and calls it “unpresidential”. Trump was speaking in a speech to Republicans at the Kennedy Centre in Washington after the US forces on Saturday (Jan 3) seized the Venezuelan leader in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. In an operation titled Operation Absolute Resolve, the American forces entered Venezuela, bombed Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their presidential palace.</p><p>“He gets up there and he tries to imitate my dance a little bit,” Trump said. “But he’s a violent guy, and he’s killed millions of people. He’s tortured. They have a torture chamber in the middle of Caracas that they’re closing up.”</p><p>While Trump is known for dancing to the “Y.M.C.A.” at his rallies, Maduro has frequently seen dancing to a techno mix of his mantra “No War, Yes Peace”, which he has frequently used in response to the US president’s threats.</p><p>“My wife hates when I do this,” Trump said of Melania. “She said, ‘it’s so unpresidential.’”</p><p>Trump stated, “She hates it when I dance,” adding, “Could you imagine FDR dancing?”</p><p>During his speech, Trump also hailed the “brilliant” operation by US special forces during which Maduro and his wife were captured, and Caracas was bombed.</p><p>Trump also mentioned the fifth anniversary of the US Capitol attack by his supporters after what he calls “rigged” elections that led to his loss against Joe Biden in 2020. Trump was impeached for the second time over the riot. He added that if they did not win this year’s midterm elections, the same thing could happen.</p><p>“You got to win the midterms, because if we don’t win... I mean, they’ll find a reason to impeach me,” he said, referring to his Democrat opponents</p><p>“I wish you could explain to me what the hell’s going on with the mind of the public. Because we have the right policy,” Trump said.</p>

Trump addressed Republicans at the Kennedy Center in Washington, days after US forces on Saturday (Jan 3) captured the Venezuelan leader during an operation described as part of America’s war against drug cartels and traffickers.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jan 5) accused Nicolas Maduro of imitating his dance as he celebrated the capture of the Venezuelan leader. He added that First Lady Melania “hates” his dance and calls it “unpresidential”. Trump was speaking in a speech to Republicans at the Kennedy Centre in Washington after the US forces on Saturday (Jan 3) seized the Venezuelan leader in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. In an operation titled Operation Absolute Resolve, the American forces entered Venezuela, bombed Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their presidential palace. “He gets up there and he tries to imitate my dance a little bit,” Trump said. “But he’s a violent guy, and he’s killed millions of people. He’s tortured. They have a torture chamber in the middle of Caracas that they’re closing up.” While Trump is known for dancing to the “Y.M.C.A.” at his rallies, Maduro has frequently seen dancing to a techno mix of his mantra “No War, Yes Peace”, which he has frequently used in response to the US president’s threats. “My wife hates when I do this,” Trump said of Melania. “She said, ‘it’s so unpresidential.’” Trump stated, “She hates it when I dance,” adding, “Could you imagine FDR dancing?” During his speech, Trump also hailed the “brilliant” operation by US special forces during which Maduro and his wife were captured, and Caracas was bombed. Trump also mentioned the fifth anniversary of the US Capitol attack by his supporters after what he calls “rigged” elections that led to his loss against Joe Biden in 2020. Trump was impeached for the second time over the riot. He added that if they did not win this year’s midterm elections, the same thing could happen. “You got to win the midterms, because if we don’t win... I mean, they’ll find a reason to impeach me,” he said, referring to his Democrat opponents “I wish you could explain to me what the hell’s going on with the mind of the public. Because we have the right policy,” Trump said.

<p>Trump addressed Republicans at the Kennedy Center in Washington, days after US forces on Saturday (Jan 3) captured the Venezuelan leader during an operation described as part of America’s war against drug cartels and traffickers.</p>

‘Melania hates it, Maduro copies it’: Trump’s bizarre claim on his dance moves after Venezuela operation

<p>Amid Washington-Caracas tensions, Russia has reportedly sent a submarine to escort an empty rusting oil tanker that was attempting to evade the United States blockade of sanctioned vessels near Venezuela. According to reports, America was trying to intercept the vessel, previously known as Bella 1, now named Marinera. The vessel bound for Russia's Murmansk was scheduled to dock in Venezuela for an oil load but was instead chased into the Atlantic by the United States Coast Guard, according to The Wall Street Journal. Thus, it was empty.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/russia-once-offered-a-bizarre-venezuela-for-ukraine-deal-trump-ex-aide-reveals-watch-1767769345039"><strong>Russia once offered a bizarre 'Venezuela for Ukraine' deal, Trump ex-aide reveals. Watch</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2><p>Russia reportedly dispatched a submarine to shadow an ageing oil tanker being pursued by the United States near Venezuela. The tanker, which failed to dock in Venezuela to load crude, was instead chased into the Atlantic by the US Coast Guard. Though the ship was empty, US authorities continued tracking it as part of a broader campaign to disrupt fleets moving sanctioned oil, including black market crude linked to Russia.</p><p>Previously, in December, the tanker's crew reportedly blocked a US attempt to board the vessel and altered course into open waters. As the pursuit continued, the ship's operators took unusual steps. The tanker was renamed Marinera, painted a Russian flag on its hull, and re-registered under Russian ownership.</p><p>Now, according to US officials cited by the Journal, Moscow asked Washington to stop pursuing the vessel and sent a submarine to escort it. Russia's foreign ministry, as cited by state news agency RIA said it was monitoring the situation "with concern," while state media outlet RT published video footage it claimed showed a US Coast Guard cutter trailing the tanker.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-dictator-trump-just-threaten-us-midterms-potus-on-capitol-riot-anniversary-mulls-cancelling-2026-polls-1767751531955"><strong>Did 'dictator' Trump just threaten US midterms? POTUS worried about getting impeached AGAIN</strong></a></p><p><strong>Watch here:</strong></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING WORLD EXCLUSIVE: RT obtains FIRST footage of Russian-flagged civilian Marinera tanker being CHASED by US Coast Guard warship in the North Atlantic <a href="https://t.co/sNbqJkm5O5">https://t.co/sNbqJkm5O5</a> <a href="https://t.co/XtbBML3a6j">pic.twitter.com/XtbBML3a6j</a></p>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/2008572288409768011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>US ready to stand against sanctioned vessels</strong></h2><p>The US Southern Command, meanwhile, said it stood ready to "stand against sanctioned vessels and actors" travelling through the region. Tracking data cited by WSJ shows the Marinera sailing roughly 300 miles south of Iceland, heading toward the North Sea, with the US Coast Guard still following it.</p><p>RT also said that the US was trying to intercept the tanker despite its "clear civilian status".</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">US Coast Guard attempts INTERCEPTION of Russian-flagged tanker in North Atlantic STORM conditions — source to RT <br><br>Civilian vessel Marinera, EMPTY &amp; bound for Murmansk, chased by spy planes despite clear civilian status<br><br>Boarding in adverse weather risks LIVES for political stunt <a href="https://t.co/adAE30vJYd">https://t.co/adAE30vJYd</a> <a href="https://t.co/AwarHFx9UH">pic.twitter.com/AwarHFx9UH</a></p>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/2008530462894116880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Russia has reportedly sent a submarine to escort an ageing oil tanker chased by the US near Venezuela, escalating tensions over sanctioned oil. Watch video here.

Amid Washington-Caracas tensions, Russia has reportedly sent a submarine to escort an empty rusting oil tanker that was attempting to evade the United States blockade of sanctioned vessels near Venezuela. According to reports, America was trying to intercept the vessel, previously known as Bella 1, now named Marinera. The vessel bound for Russia's Murmansk was scheduled to dock in Venezuela for an oil load but was instead chased into the Atlantic by the United States Coast Guard, according to The Wall Street Journal. Thus, it was empty. Also read | Russia once offered a bizarre 'Venezuela for Ukraine' deal, Trump ex-aide reveals. Watch What happened? Russia reportedly dispatched a submarine to shadow an ageing oil tanker being pursued by the United States near Venezuela. The tanker, which failed to dock in Venezuela to load crude, was instead chased into the Atlantic by the US Coast Guard. Though the ship was empty, US authorities continued tracking it as part of a broader campaign to disrupt fleets moving sanctioned oil, including black market crude linked to Russia. Previously, in December, the tanker's crew reportedly blocked a US attempt to board the vessel and altered course into open waters. As the pursuit continued, the ship's operators took unusual steps. The tanker was renamed Marinera, painted a Russian flag on its hull, and re-registered under Russian ownership. Now, according to US officials cited by the Journal, Moscow asked Washington to stop pursuing the vessel and sent a submarine to escort it. Russia's foreign ministry, as cited by state news agency RIA said it was monitoring the situation "with concern," while state media outlet RT published video footage it claimed showed a US Coast Guard cutter trailing the tanker. Also read | Did 'dictator' Trump just threaten US midterms? POTUS worried about getting impeached AGAIN Watch here:

<p>Russia has reportedly sent a submarine to escort an ageing oil tanker chased by the US near Venezuela, escalating tensions over sanctioned oil. Watch video here.</p>

Russia sends submarine to shadow oil tanker chased by US near Venezuela | Watch

<p>Japan's power company has accepted that it is selectively presenting important safety data to clear regulatory inspections for restarting two of its nuclear reactors, which are currently offline. Chubu Electric Power Co. admitted it might have intentionally manipulated earthquake safety data for the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, according to a report in the Independent</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The company admitted that it is selecting specialised earthquake wave patterns, which are close to a calculated average, in order to make the projected maximum shaking (seismic motion) smaller than expected. It was reportedly intended to "smooth" and accelerate the stringent safety screening steps required to restart reactors at the site.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We sincerely apologise for the incident. The actions could potentially shake the foundations of the nuclear power business," Chubu Electric president Kingo Hayashi said in a press conference.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The issue was alerted to the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) by a whistleblower in February 2025. A senior official described the episode as “astonishing,” warning that it could erode confidence in Chubu Electric and cast doubt on the company’s suitability.</p><h3>Why is Hamaoka Japan’s riskiest nuclear plant?</h3><p>Japan’s Industry Ministry has directed Chubu Electric to submit a detailed report by April 6, 2026, explaining the lapse and outlining steps to prevent a recurrence. The utility has set up an independent panel of legal and technical specialists to probe the matter. After the revelation, Chubu Electric’s shares slid 8.2 per cent, marking their sharpest fall in almost a year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Hamaoka is widely viewed by seismologists as Japan’s riskiest nuclear plant, as it lies directly above the Nankai Trough, a major seismic fault where a “megaquake” is expected. Government estimates put the probability of a major earthquake in the area at 87 per cent.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Professor Katsuhiko Ishibashi, a renowned seismologist, had warned back in 2003 that the Hamaoka nuclear power plant was Japan's most perilous due to earthquake risks. He predicted a potential disaster would ravage the Tokyo-Nagoya area, destroying over 200,000 buildings and triggering a massive tsunami. Post-Fukushima, reactors 4 and 5 were shut, and plans to restart reactor 3 were scrapped.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It was warned by Professor Katsuhiko Ishibashi, a renowned seismologist, in 2003 that the Hamaoka nuclear power plant was the most perilous in Japan due to earthquake risks. He predicted that a disaster would ravage the Tokyo-Nagoya area, which would destroy over 200,000 buildings and trigger a massive tsunami. Meanwhile, post-Fukushima, reactors 4 and 5 of the plant were shut, and plans to restart reactor 3 were discarded.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Chubu Electric Power Co. admitted that it is selecting specialised earthquake wave patterns, which are close to a calculated average, in order to make the projected maximum shaking (seismic motion) smaller than expected. 

Japan's power company has accepted that it is selectively presenting important safety data to clear regulatory inspections for restarting two of its nuclear reactors, which are currently offline. Chubu Electric Power Co. admitted it might have intentionally manipulated earthquake safety data for the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, according to a report in the Independent The company admitted that it is selecting specialised earthquake wave patterns, which are close to a calculated average, in order to make the projected maximum shaking (seismic motion) smaller than expected. It was reportedly intended to "smooth" and accelerate the stringent safety screening steps required to restart reactors at the site. "We sincerely apologise for the incident. The actions could potentially shake the foundations of the nuclear power business," Chubu Electric president Kingo Hayashi said in a press conference. The issue was alerted to the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) by a whistleblower in February 2025. A senior official described the episode as “astonishing,” warning that it could erode confidence in Chubu Electric and cast doubt on the company’s suitability. Why is Hamaoka Japan’s riskiest nuclear plant? Japan’s Industry Ministry has directed Chubu Electric to submit a detailed report by April 6, 2026, explaining the lapse and outlining steps to prevent a recurrence. The utility has set up an independent panel of legal and technical specialists to probe the matter. After the revelation, Chubu Electric’s shares slid 8.2 per cent, marking their sharpest fall in almost a year. Hamaoka is widely viewed by seismologists as Japan’s riskiest nuclear plant, as it lies directly above the Nankai Trough, a major seismic fault where a “megaquake” is expected. Government estimates put the probability of a major earthquake in the area at 87 per cent. Professor Katsuhiko Ishibashi, a renowned seismologist, had warned back in 2003 that the Hamaoka nuclear power plant was Japan's most perilous due to earthquake risks. He predicted a potential disaster would ravage the Tokyo-Nagoya area, destroying over 200,000 buildings and triggering a massive tsunami. Post-Fukushima, reactors 4 and 5 were shut, and plans to restart reactor 3 were scrapped. It was warned by Professor Katsuhiko Ishibashi, a renowned seismologist, in 2003 that the Hamaoka nuclear power plant was the most perilous in Japan due to earthquake risks. He predicted that a disaster would ravage the Tokyo-Nagoya area, which would destroy over 200,000 buildings and trigger a massive tsunami. Meanwhile, post-Fukushima, reactors 4 and 5 of the plant were shut, and plans to restart reactor 3 were discarded.

<p>Chubu Electric Power Co. admitted that it is selecting specialised earthquake wave patterns, which are close to a calculated average, in order to make the projected maximum shaking (seismic motion) smaller than expected.&nbsp;</p>

Japan’s ‘most dangerous’ nuclear plant manipulating earthquake data? Here's what the power company admits

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Japan’s ‘most dangerous’ nuclear plant manipulating earthquake data? Here's why