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PLC Chairman al-Alimi declared a 90-day nationwide state of emergency.

On Tuesday, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman Rashad al-Alimi ordered United Arab Emirates (UAE) forces to withdraw from the country, throwing Yemen’s already complex conflict into a new period of uncertainty.

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The move was quickly rejected by other forces of the same Saudi-backed council, including the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The dispute has also coincided with Saudi-led airstrikes on the port of Mukalla and unusually public accusations exchanged between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, raising questions about the cohesion of the anti-Houthi coalition and the future balance of power in southern and eastern Yemen.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On Tuesday, Al-Alimi announced the cancellation of a joint defense arrangement with the UAE and ordered all Emirati forces to withdraw from Yemen within 24 hours. He also declared a 90-day nationwide state of emergency, imposed a temporary air, sea and land embargo, and instructed Saudi-backed forces to take over military camps in the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah.

The measures were presented as necessary to safeguard national security and public order, though no clear details were offered on how the withdrawal would be implemented or how Yemen’s future security cooperation with the UAE would be managed.

Almost immediately, the decision was challenged from within the PLC. The STC, formally part of the PLC, denied that the council had reached a unanimous decision. Four PLC members, including STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, later issued a joint statement rejecting what they described as unilateral and illegal decisions.

They stressed that the PLC is a collective authority and reaffirmed Yemen’s commitment to the anti-Houthi coalition, describing the UAE as a key partner in countering the Houthis, combating terrorism and safeguarding regional and maritime security.

The UAE ended its mission in Yemen after the internationally recognised government demanded Abu Dhabi exit within 24 hours.

The move follows a Saudi-led coalition strike on a weapons shipment Riyadh said was linked to the UAE and headed to STC separatists pic.twitter.com/tOCma9DnUy

— TRT World (@trtworld) December 31, 2025

WHY DID SAUDI-UAE TENSIONS ESCALATE NOW?

The political rupture followed rapid developments on the ground in southeastern Yemen. Earlier this month, STC forces seized large areas of Hadramout after clashes with pro-government units and later expanded into neighboring Al-Mahrah, reportedly encountering limited resistance.

Oil-rich Hadramout and Al-Mahrah are strategically sensitive provinces, hosting important ports and lying close to the borders of Saudi Arabia and Oman. Control over these areas is widely viewed as critical to both Yemen’s internal balance and Saudi Arabia’s border security.

As tensions mounted, the Saudi-led coalition carried out what it described as “limited” airstrikes on the port of Mukalla. Saudi Arabia publicly accused the UAE of delivering weapons and combat vehicles to separatist forces without coalition authorization, calling the actions a threat to Saudi national security.

The UAE rejected the accusations, saying the vehicles were intended for Emirati forces operating in Yemen and that coordination had taken place with the Saudi-led coalition. Abu Dhabi also expressed surprise at the airstrikes, highlighting the growing strain between the two Gulf partners whose cooperation has long underpinned the anti-Houthi campaign.

Inside Yemen, senior STC figures condemned the Mukalla strikes, portraying them as unjustified attacks on a civilian port and a sign of a deeper rift within the coalition.

Wonder why Israel suddenly decided to be the first country in the world to recognise #Somaliland? Ask the #Yemenis who earlier today told Israel’s bff – the UAE – tae gtf out of Yemen in the next 24 hours. 👀 pic.twitter.com/1ajnb86pld

— Yvonne Ridley 4 Glasgow (@yvonneridley) December 30, 2025

WHAT DOES THE CRISIS MEAN FOR YEMEN?

Analysts say the crisis reflects more than a disagreement over foreign troop deployments. It exposes a fundamental tension between Yemen’s formal political institutions and realities on the ground, where armed groups backed by different regional actors wield decisive influence.

Yemen has been mired in conflict since 2014, when Houthi forces captured Sanaa and large swathes of the north, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015.

Formed in 2017, the UAE-sponsored STC seeks self-determination and eventual independence for southern Yemen. Despite joining the Saudi-led coalition and integrating into the PLC in 2022, the group continues to push for southern sovereignty, leading to recurring disputes over power-sharing and control of resources.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, prioritizes stability along its border with Yemen and views eastern Yemen as a strategic buffer zone. These differing priorities, long managed quietly, have now surfaced openly.

As political tensions deepen, military preparations on both sides suggest the dispute could escalate into open confrontation in eastern Yemen. Reports of troop deployments and mobilization have raised concerns among residents in Hadramout and Al-Mahrah — regions that have largely avoided front-line fighting during Yemen’s decade-long war.

Key questions remain unresolved, including whether the order for UAE forces to withdraw can be enforced, whether Saudi-backed forces will successfully assume control of key military sites, and whether the PLC can restore collective decision-making.

For Yemen, the latest developments risk further fragmenting the anti-Houthi camp and complicating efforts to stabilize the impoverished country. How Riyadh and Abu Dhabi manage their dispute will play a decisive role in shaping the next phase of Yemen’s protracted conflict.

#FromTheSouth News Bits | Middle East: The United Nations special envoy for Yemen warned that the country could become the scene of a wider geopolitical conflict and called for an end to Israeli attacks. pic.twitter.com/D7gmAkPWxn

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 4, 2025

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Source: Xinhua

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The photographic exhibition, also commemorating the 67th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution tomorrow, January 1, captures historical moments of the friendship between the two leaders and their joint work for the development of cinema and culture in this Caribbean nation.

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Minister of Culture Alpidio Alonso; the Deputy Head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Elier Ramírez; the President of the Cuban Gilm Institute (ICAIC), Alexis Triana; as well as artists and representatives of the Cuban government and cultural sector.

The enduring relevance of both leaders’ thinking underscored the tribute paid in the context of the December 31st celebration of the 100th anniversary of Guevara’s birth.

Guevara was the founder of ICAIC and the creator of other important projects linked to the advancement of Cuban and Latin American cinema, all of which enjoyed the support of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro.

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His revolutionary trajectory began at the University of Havana, where he studied Philosophy and Letters and established a lasting friendship with the historic Cuban leader, Fidel Castro.

After the triumph of the Revolution in 1959, he founded and directed the Cuban Film Institute (ICAIC).

From there, Guevara boosted a comprehensive cultural movement that transcended film. He founded the Cine Cubano magazine and the Latin American ICAIC Newsreel, directed by Santiago Alvarez.

He created the Cuban Film Archive in 1960 and fostered the exceptional development of film posters.

He was also the founder of the Grupo de Experimentacion Sonora del ICAIC, a breeding ground for the Cuban Nueva Trova Movement.

One of his most cherished achievements was the creation of the Havana International New Latin American Film Festival, inaugurated on December 3, 1979, whose first edition brought together more than 600 filmmakers.

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After centralizing, verifying, and compiling the provisional results of the first round of voting, I declare that Doumbouya reached an absolute majority in these elections, Djenabou Toure, director of the General Directorate of Elections, told the press.

According to the source, in the election where eight other candidates competed, Abdoulaye Balde, leader of the Democratic Front of Guinea party, came in second with 6,6% of the vote, while the remaining presidential hopefuls obtained lower percentages.

According to the digital news outlet Media Guinee, the election, in which 6.7 million voters participated, was held under a new constitution approved in a referendum last September.

The new constitution, among other things, revokes the ban on military leaders running for public office and extends the presidential term from five to seven years.

Doumbouya, head of the ruling military junta and who led a military coup in September 2021 that ousted then-President Alpha Condé, was considered the clear favorite to win the presidency of this African country.

According to the World Food Programme, in Guinea, despite its immense mineral wealth, including bauxite, more than 50% of its 15 million inhabitants live in poverty.

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Nunez and Reve’s performance evoked, to a great extent, memorable times for dance on this island and reaffirmed the beauty of the principles of the school that emerged from the dedication of Alicia, Alberto, and Fernando Alonso.

For Fernando, an eminent teacher, the sensuality of expression, the meticulousness of line, the way the dancers moved as if caressing the music with their steps, and the gentle communication between the couple were his preferred poetry.

These characteristics, mentioned by maestro Alonso in every interview and enshrined in the foundations of the Cuban school of ballet, stood out at the Teatro Nacional de Cuba on December 28 and 30, in the artistry of Nunez and Reve, who were invited by the National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) to perform the classic Don Quixote.

Nunez, principal dancer of the Royal Ballet of London, and Reve, guest artist from that renowned British company and also a principal dancer with the Queensland Ballet in Australia, worked in perfect harmony and natural elegance, as if the characters conceived by Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes sprang from their souls.

The Argentine ballerina knew teacher Loipa Araujo, one of the jewels of Cuban ballet, since she was 14 years old and danced for a long time with Carlos Acosta, another great of this country’s dance.

The BNC, directed by prima ballerina Viengsay Valdes and declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2018, concluded a complex year for Cuba, but with the good fortune of continuing to attract the best of world dance to the island and, in doing so, refreshing the foundations of its own school, a source of pride for Latin America.

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Russian officials say 91 long-range drones were launched from Ukraine.

On Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry released details of the Ukrainian attempt to attack the residence of President Vladimir Putin in the Novgorod region using dozens of drones.

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Maj. Gen. Alexander Romanenkov, head of air defense troops of the Russian Aerospace Forces, confirmed that on the night of Dec. 28-29, the Kiev regime attempted to carry out a massive terrorist attack using long-range unmanned aerial vehicles against Putin’s residence.

Radiotechnical units of the Russian Aerospace Forces detected an aerial attack involving aircraft-type drones flying at extremely low altitudes from the Ukrainian regions of Sumy and Chernihiv.

Employing 91 drones, Ukraine carried out the attack from multiple directions toward the presidential residence, over the Bryansk, Smolensk, Tver and Novgorod regions. Russian forces destroyed 41 drones in Novgorod, one drone in Smolensk, and 49 drones in Bryansk.

🇺🇦🇷🇺 One of the Ukrainian drones intercepted en route to Putin's residence was armed with a 6-kg high-explosive warhead

The Russian Ministry of Defense also released a map of the attempted strike — showing drones launched from multiple directions, intercepted over the Novgorod,… pic.twitter.com/91CKXxj5aC

— The Other Side Media (@TheOtherSideRu) December 31, 2025

“The structure of the attack, the number of aerial attack assets used, and their actions from the south, southwest and west directly toward the area of the Russian president’s residence in the Novgorod region unequivocally confirm that the Kiev regime’s terrorist attack was deliberate, carefully planned and carried out in stages,” Romanenkov said.

As a result of repelling the attack, no casualties or damage were recorded in the area, and no damage was reported at the presidential residence.

“The combat units of the air defense missile systems, the airspace monitoring assets of the radiotechnical troops, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare assets acted in a coordinated, professional and effective manner, successfully fulfilling their combat mission,” Romanenkov added.

Whoa… Ukraine attacked Putin’s residence with 91 drones.

This happened right after Zelensky met with Trump to discuss the “peace plan.”

Quite likely that Brits (MI6) or some EU intelligence were involved in this attack. Warmongers hate peace talks. pic.twitter.com/8xCWMAxdlU

— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) December 29, 2025

On Monday, Russian presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov said that U.S. President Donald Trump was “astonished and outraged” by the attempted attack on Putin’s residence. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the attack was a “slap in the face” to Trump.

“It is precisely at this moment, when points and plans are being discussed, when words are being sought, that this bloodthirsty, rabid and terrorist rabble is working to undermine peace efforts,” she stated.

In Russia, several politicians have said the attack was intended to undermine peace talks related to the conflict in Ukraine. Former U.S. national security adviser Michael Flynn suggested possible involvement by European countries in the act.

Dolgiye Borody is the Russian presidential residence located about 12 miles from the city of Valdai in the Novgorod region. It is part of a group of official residences used by the Russian president, which also includes the Kremlin, Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow, Bocharov Ruchei in Sochi, and the Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna, near St. Petersburg.

#FromTheSouth News Bits | Russia: President Vladimir Putin denounced the European Union's attempts to seize the country's assets, calling them an outright robbery. pic.twitter.com/cQMmTZxkD5

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 22, 2025

teleSUR/ JF

Source: RT

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Rodriguez wrote on his X profile, “We reject the new unilateral coercive measures imposed by the US government on Venezuela and Iran, which are contrary to international law and aim to increase pressure and aggression against both countries.”

Press reports stated that the United States sanctioned 10 individuals and companies in Iran and Venezuela as alleged promoters of the drone trade and Iran’s missile program, which the White House considers a threat to the United States and its allies in the Middle East.

The US Department of the Treasury noted that the measures are intended to support the sanctions the United Nations reimposed on Iran for its nuclear program, despite Tehran describes that program as peaceful.

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The regional organization affirmed in a press release that the legislation passed by the Knesset (Parliament) represents a continuation of the illegal legislation to prohibit UNRWA’s work in the occupied territories.

It underscored that this action represents a flagrant violation of the immunities and privileges of United Nations agencies and a blatant challenge to a recent General Assembly resolution on the matter.

The AL estimated that the initiative will have disastrous consequences and undermine UNRWA’s ability to carry out its mandate “to provide essential and irreplaceable services to Palestinian refugees.”

In light of the situation, it called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to confront such projects.

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In a statement, the group emphasized that ICAP shows to the world respect, love, brotherhood, and loyalty, values ​​that characterize its staff, who proudly and with dignity represent Cuba.

The statement also calls on the United States government to end the blockade imposed for more than 60 years and reiterates its commitment to “continue defending Cuba’s socialist, humanitarian, and ethical Revolution to achieve the well-being and individual and collective prosperity of its people.”

Established by Law 901 of December 30, 1960, ICAP is an independent institution that promotes people’s diplomacy and solidarity through friendship associations worldwide.

Among its functions is fostering actions and contacts with friends of Cuba, with the organization of volunteer work brigades that regularly travel to the island playing a key role.

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Viant emphasized that such a situation threatens freedom of trade, the principles of State sovereignty, and the implementation of the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, approved in Havana in January 2014.

The ambassador also added that negative precedents are being set with a direct impact on global stability and the danger of a conflagration that must be avoided.

At a commemorative event for the 67th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, the 100th birthday of its historic leader Fidel Castro, and the 50th anniversary of Kaysone Phomvihane’s trip to Havana, the diplomat underscored that peace is essential to advance cooperation and integration, and boost the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She also noted that, domestically, “the Cuban people have suffered and confronted the effects of a devastating US economic blockade of more than 60 years, exacerbated by financial and energy persecution, and a resurgence of subversive and multidimensional warfare.”

The ambassador alluded, elsewhere in her speech, to the progress in relations between the Parties, Governments, Parliaments, and peoples of Cuba and Laos, as well as in cooperation in multilateral and bilateral spheres in sectors such as education, sports, health, agriculture, and scientific research, among others.

Viant said that the visit of First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and President Miguel Diaz-Canel to Laos reaffirmed the strategic and fraternal alliance with this country and ratified the commitment to expanding economic, political, and cultural collaboration, along with the bonds of solidarity between the two nations united by decades of shared challenges and mutual support.

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During his New Year’s address, he noted that in 2025 China overcame difficulties and achieved its major development goals.

He pointed out that the gross domestic product reached approximately 140 trillion yuan (about US$19.4 trillion) this year, with sustained strengthening of the economy, science, defense, and the country’s overall capabilities.

The president emphasized that innovation propelled high-quality development, with advances in artificial intelligence, domestically produced chips, space exploration, energy infrastructure, and military equipment.

He highlighted the steady progress in environmental protection and social welfare, noting improved job security, support for families with children, and enhanced services for the elderly.

Xi recalled the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War as a significant event of the year.

On foreign policy, he affirmed China’s open stance, mentioning the Global Governance Initiative he proposed at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and underscoring national commitments to address climate change.

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The head of the Russian Aerospace Forces also stated at a press conference that on December 28, 2025, radio-technical troops detected an attack by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), similar to airplanes, operating at extremely low altitudes, from the territories of the Ukrainian regions of Sumi and Chernihiv.

The high-ranking military official stated that the structure of the attack, the number of drones involved, and their trajectories from the south, southwest, and west toward the presidential residence “unequivocally confirm that the terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime was targeted, meticulously planned, and carried out in stages.”

“The enemy attack was launched from several directions toward the Russian president’s residence over the territories of the Bryansk, Smolensk, Tver, and Novgorod regions, using 91 unmanned aerial vehicles,” the major general explained.

According to Romanenkov, after the attack was repelled, “there were no casualties or damage on the territory of the Russian Federation,” and the Russian president’s residence was also unaffected.

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According to the ministerial report, 13 fatal workplace accidents were recorded during the first quarter of 2025, a figure that dropped to 11 in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, 12 deaths were recorded, while in the fourth quarter the number fell to five, the lowest figure of the year.

In this regard, the head of the MTSS, Juan Castillo, highlighted the launch in April of the National Commitment for Life, Health, and Safety at Work, an initiative to promote prevention.

The 2025 Workplace Accident Report details that all of the fatalities were men.

Regarding the main causes of fatal accidents, the report indicates that falls from heights continue to be the predominant factor, especially in sectors such as construction and industry.

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Clashes began yesterday between insurgents from the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) and local militias known as Wazalendo, in the community near Minjenje, in the Mpety area, on the border between the Masisi and Walikale territories.

Residents of Nzanganano reported heavy and light weapons fire and civilian injuries during the fighting, as well as a mass displacement of the population, with many residents taking refuge in the area’s forests, according to Actualité. CD.

AFC/M23 rebels maintain control of the village, but fighting may continue, given that clashes have been almost constant around Mpety throughout the year.

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The Director General of the Ministry of Health in the coastal enclave, Munir Al-Barsh, announced a decrease in the number of newborns of up to 40% annually.

He considered that this indicator reflects the depth of the health and humanitarian crisis the sector is experiencing.

Al-Barsh stated that the number of monthly births there has fallen from approximately 26,000 to 17,000.

The official attributed the decline to “the harsh living conditions faced by pregnant women under siege and war.”

Furthermore, low birth weight has become widespread due to maternal malnutrition and a lack of essential nutritional supplements, which directly affects the health of fetuses and infants, he emphasized.

According to the Government Media Office in Gaza, Israeli troops killed approximately 12,500 Palestinian women from the start of the new phase of the conflict on October 7, 2023, until October 8 of this year.

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During a recent interview with a Spanish YouTuber, the president said that his government has captured approximately 95% of gang members without any civilian deaths.

He noted that “there are still some inactive members; they may be hiding or have fled. We’re looking for them; every day we find one hiding somewhere, but basically, they’re all here; and civilian casualties, zero,” he stated in TheGrefg’s post.

The president stated that without the support of the Armed Forces and control of the prisons, these results in the fight against gangs would not have been achieved.

On the other hand, Carlos Acevedo, economist and former president of the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), addressed the impact of security on the economy, stating that the projected four percent growth for this year is “unprecedented.”

“We’re already beginning to see the effects on the economy at the macro level, contrary to those who said that ‘you can’t eat security’ and all that kind of rhetoric. I think we’re starting to see signs that the security environment is having a significant impact,” he affirmed.

He stresed that the set of policies implemented by the government is generating positive results and expectations. These results, he emphasized, are enabling a series of initiatives that would not have been possible in the past.

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Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that these countries and organizations are ignoring separatist actions in Taiwan and external interference, while criticizing China’s legitimate measures to protect its territorial integrity.

The spokesperson also affirmed that the island is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and the Taiwan issue is exclusively a matter for China’s domestic affairs, excluding external interference.

Lin underscored that the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is separatist activities and the support they receive from external forces.

He also remembered that the one-China principle is a widely recognized consensus and the political foundation of China’s relations with 183 countries, including Japan, Australia, and European nations.

China urged these countries and organizations to respect the one-China principle and cease all forms of support for Taiwanese separatist forces.

Lin rejected, in the same appearance, statements by a Japanese senator regarding a possible visit to Taiwan, an attitude that contradicts the political commitments made by Tokyo to Beijing.

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U.S. measures violate international law and seek to escalate pressure on Tehran and Caracas.

On Tuesday, Cuba condemned a new package of sanctions imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump on 10 Iranian and Venezuelan companies and individuals.

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“We reject new unilateral coercive measures imposed by the U.S. government against Venezuela and Iran, which run counter to international law and seek to increase pressure and aggression against both countries,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said.

Earlier, the Trump administration announced sanctions against Iran and Venezuela, accusing Tehran of supplying conventional weapons to Caracas and threatening U.S. interests across the Western Hemisphere.

In separate statements, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of the Treasury said a Venezuelan company targeted by the sanctions had been involved in the sale of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian-designed combat unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs.

Other sanctioned entities and individuals were accused of supporting procurement networks linked to Iran’s drone and ballistic missile programs, the statements said.

“The entities and individuals designated today demonstrate Iran is actively proliferating its combat UAVs and continues to procure missile-related items in violation of U.N. restrictions,” State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, adding that the Trump administration would take action to curb Iran’s ballistic missile program, block its development of other conventional and asymmetric weapons, and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

BREAKING: 🚨 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 🇻🇪 ISRAEL BEHIND VENEZUELA FLASE FLAG WAR

Netanyahu is the “source” of the LIES about Iran and Hezbollah:

“Iran is in cahoots with Venezuela, sending Hezbollah to the United States”

Israel is on record stating they want Venezuela.pic.twitter.com/SYJC4HF0Qn

— ADAM (@AdameMedia) December 31, 2025

“We will continue to take swift action to deprive those who enable Iran’s military-industrial complex of access to the U.S. financial system,” said Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley.

The Treasury Department also said Iran’s UAV and missile programs threaten U.S. and allied personnel in the Middle East and disrupt commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The sanctions came one day after Trump, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, warned that the United States would support renewed strikes if Iran attempts to rebuild its ballistic missile program.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on X on Tuesday that his country would respond harshly to any act of aggression. “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s response to any cruel aggression would be harsh and regret-inducing,” he said.

Tensions between Iran and the U.S. have escalated following a series of strikes. On June 13, Israel launched airstrikes on several locations in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. On June 22, U.S. forces bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.

Relations between the U.S. and Venezuela have also remained strained, with Caracas repeatedly accusing Washington of pursuing a “regime change” and expanding its military presence in the region under what the United States describes as an anti-narcoterrorism campaign.

During a presidential act, President of #Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, congratulated the Bolivarian National Armed Forces for breaking the record by shooting down nine aircraft used for #drugtrafficking on the border with #Colombia and #Brazil. He also emphasized that the country is… pic.twitter.com/rT3FGBWiYA

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 30, 2025

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Sources: CFM – Xinhua

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Cuba’s Ambassador to this nation, concurrently accredited to Baku, Carlos Valdes, stated in one of the messages that Berdimuhamedow conveyed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes to Diaz-Canel on the national holiday and Liberation Day.

The Turkmen head of State congratulated, in the second message, the Cuban people on the arrival of the New Year 2026 and wished the president good health, happiness, and success in his noble work, which contributes to strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding in the international arena.

Valdes stated that, in both congratulatory messages, Berdimuhamedow took the opportunity to wish the Cuban people peace, progress, and prosperity.

Turkmenistan and Cuba established diplomatic relations in March 1992, following this nation’s declaration of independence once the Soviet Union, of which it was one of the 15 constituent republics, was dissolved.

Since then, the two nations’ relations have been characterized by friendship and cooperation, focused on mutual support in international forums and the strengthening of political and economic ties.

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This technology is applied in quantum chemistry, pharmacology, marine science, and climate studies.

In Mexico, supercomputer technology is concentrated in the public academic sector, with between 10 and 12 high-performance computing centers distributed among universities and national research centers.

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Lukas Nellen Filla, a researcher at the Institute of Nuclear Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), noted that although the information is not publicly available, some private banks also have state-of-the-art systems.

Prominent institutions with supercomputing capabilities include the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (Cinvestav), the Center for Research in Mathematics, the University of Sonora, the University of Guadalajara, and the UNAM.

The Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education, the Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, the Potosino Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, and the Metropolitan Autonomous University also have supercomputing infrastructure.

The first supercomputer in Mexico and Latin America was the Cray Y-P4/464, named Sirio, installed at the UNAM’s General Directorate of Academic Computing Services (DGSCA) in 1991.

#Mexico: Coatlicue, the Mexican supercomputer will be the most powerful in Latin America, with 14,480 GPUs & a capacity of 314 trillion operations per/sec. It will have a public investment of approximately USD$327 million & will be 7 times the capacity of the Pegaso of Brazil. pic.twitter.com/P6uGFDbuZ5

— Voice of Mexico (@VOMexico) December 2, 2025

In 2007, the UNAM presented KanBalam, a supercomputer from Hewlett-Packard (HP), with a capacity of 7 billion operations per second and 7,000 times more powerful than Sirio.

In 2013, the UNAM acquired Miztli, a cluster 17.5 times larger than KanBalam that expanded its capacity with 8,344 processors and 228 teraflops of theoretical performance.

Mexican supercomputing is applied in theoretical and quantum chemistry, pharmacology, marine science, climate studies, seismology, and astronomy. It emcompasses both basic and applied research in multiple scientific disciplines.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has incorporated new fields in supercomputing, such as linguistics. However, Filla noted the need to stimulate communities in the humanities, arts, and industrial sectors.

There is pressure to expand and modernize research equipment for AI, which is increasingly used in high-performance computing centers. The Coatlicue project aims to consolidate Mexico’s position within the world’s TOP500 and strengthen its leadership in the tech field.

In her daily morning #pressconference, the President of #Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, condemned the criminalization of #migrants, stating that the best way to reduce mass migration is to #invest in the countries of origin. pic.twitter.com/gjFsOy90FM

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 18, 2025

teleSUR: JP

Source: La Jornada

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If they don’t self-deport, ‘we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will not return,’ the DHS Secretary Noem said.

On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recalled that the United States has tripled its stipend offer to migrants who choose to “self-deport” from the country by New Year’s Eve to US$3,000.

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The stipend, along with a free flight back to migrants’ home countries, will be provided to those living in the United States illegally who sign up to leave by the end of the year.

“Using the CBP Home app also qualifies recipients for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the country,” the DHS said.

The app is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mobile application designed “to incentivize the voluntary self-departure of aliens illegally in the United States.”

This isn’t “just border security.” It’s DNA surveillance. Reports show DHS/CBP have collected DNA from migrants, including children, and uploaded profiles into the FBI’s criminal DNA database (CODIS).https://t.co/9iKfKAsWGC

— Austin Kocher, PhD (@ackocher) December 22, 2025

“Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will not return,” the DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said on X.

The DHS in May set the stipend at US$1,000, noting that the amount is far less than the roughly 17,000 dollars required to “arrest, detain and remove” someone without legal status.

U.S. President Donald Trump has made mass deportations a priority in his second term, targeting those he claims entered the country illegally under the previous administration.

According to the DHS, the United States has recorded 605,000 deportations and 1.9 million self-deportations under its enforcement operations since Trump returned to office in January 2025.

In her daily morning #pressconference, the President of #Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, condemned the criminalization of #migrants, stating that the best way to reduce mass migration is to #invest in the countries of origin. pic.twitter.com/gjFsOy90FM

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 18, 2025

teleSUR/ JF

Source: Xinhua

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Chinese economic strength and defense capabilities reached new heights, he stated.

On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping championed the need to promote international peace and cooperation in a world marked by instability.

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On New Year’s Eve, the Chinese leader reiterated that reunification with Taiwan is an “unstoppable historical cause.” The following is the full text of the message:

“Greetings to all! Year after year, life opens a fresh chapter. As the new year begins, I extend my best wishes to you from Beijing!

The year 2025 marks the completion of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. Over the past five years, we have pressed ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and overcome many difficulties and challenges.

We met the targets in the Plan and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization. Our economic output has crossed thresholds one after another, and it is expected to reach RMB 140 trillion yuan this year.

Our economic strength, scientific and technological abilities, defense capabilities, and composite national strength all reached new heights. Clear waters and lush mountains have become a salient feature of our landscape.

Our people enjoy a growing sense of gain, happiness and security. The past five years have been a truly remarkable journey, and our accomplishments have not come easily. Your unwavering hard work has made our nation thrive and prosper. I salute you all for your exceptional diligence and invaluable contributions.

🇨🇳 🚀 Justice Mission 2025: Chinese rocket systems crush simulated enemy

New footage shows long-range multiple launch rocket systems firing at mock naval targets

The drills take place in China’s Fujian province, near Taiwan pic.twitter.com/aLnQYMIXO0

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) December 31, 2025

This year is full of indelible memories. We solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and established the Taiwan Recovery Day.

These grand national events were majestic and powerful, and the glory of victory will shine through the pages of history. They are inspiring all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future. They are rallying a mighty force for the great rejuvenation of our nation.

We sought to energize high-quality development through innovation. We integrated science and technology deeply with industries, and made a stream of new innovations.

Many large AI models have been competing in a race to the top, and breakthroughs have been achieved in the research and development of our own chips. All this has turned China into one of the economies with the fastest growing innovation capabilities.

The Tianwen-2 probe began its star-chasing journey to explore asteroids and comets. Construction of the hydropower project at the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River started. China’s first aircraft carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system was officially commissioned.

Humanoid robots did kung fu kicks, and drones performed spectacular light shows. Inventions and innovations have boosted new quality productive forces and added colorful dimensions to our lives.

We endeavored to nurture our spiritual home with cultural development. There was a surging public interest in cultural relics, museums, and intangible cultural heritage. A new Chinese cultural site was added to the World Heritage List. Cultural IPs such as Wukong and Nezha became global hits.

🚨🇨🇳 BREAKING: Chinese military has released a video depicting automated humanoid robots, microdrones and weaponised robotic dogs attacking the island of Taiwan.

This is technology China has never showcased before. pic.twitter.com/cLEIcae9un

— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) December 30, 2025

The younger generation came to deem classic Chinese culture as the finest form of aesthetic expression. The cultural and tourism sectors thrived. The “super league” football games in our cities and villages attracted numerous fans. Ice and snow sports ignited people’s passion for the winter season. Tradition is now embracing modernity, and the Chinese culture is shining in even greater splendor.

We joined hands to build a better life and enjoyed it together. I attended celebrations in Xizang and Xinjiang. From the snow-covered plateau to both sides of the Tianshan Mountains, people of various ethnic groups are united as one, like seeds of a pomegranate sticking together.

With white khatas and passionate singing and dancing, they expressed their love of the motherland and the happiness they enjoy. No issue of the people is too small; we care for every leaf and tend every branch in the garden of people’s well-being.

Over the past year, the rights and interests of the workforce in new forms of employment have been better protected, facilities have been upgraded to bring more convenience to the elderly, and each family with childcare needs has received a subsidy of RMB 300 yuan per month. When the happy hum of daily life fills every home, the big family of our nation will go from strength to strength.

We continued to embrace the world with open arms. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women were very successful; and island-wide special customs operations were launched in the Hainan Free Trade Port. To better address climate change, China announced new Nationally Determined Contributions.

After announcing the three global initiatives on development, security, and civilization, I put forward the Global Governance Initiative to promote a more just and equitable global governance system.

The world today is undergoing both changes and turbulence, and some regions are still engulfed in war. China always stands on the right side of history, and is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Not long ago, I attended the opening ceremony of the National Games, and I was glad to see Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao coming together in unity and acting in unison.

We should unswervingly implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems, and support Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the overall development of our country and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability. We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship. The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable!

China completes its 'Justice Mission 2025' military drills around Taiwan

They were meant as 'stern warning' to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and external interference, says China's spox

'Necessary and just move to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity' https://t.co/2BwvDMEq3w pic.twitter.com/lZNUDLqSwu

— RT (@RT_com) December 31, 2025

Only a strong Communist Party of China can make our country strong. We launched the study and education program on fully implementing the central Party leadership’s eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct.

We exercised strict governance of the Party through credible measures, and promoted the Party’s self-revolution to fight corruption and advance healthy governance. As a result, the conduct of our Party and government steadily improved.

We must stay true to our original aspiration and founding mission, and pursue our goal with perseverance and dedication. We should continue to give a good answer to the question on how to maintain long-term governance put forth in a cave dwelling in Yan’an and prove ourselves worthy of the people’s expectation in the new era.

The year 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. A successful venture should start with a good plan and with clear goals set. We should focus on our goals and tasks, boost confidence, and build momentum to press ahead.

We should take solid steps to promote high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening up across the board, deliver prosperity for all, and write a new chapter in the story of China’s miracle.

The dream lofty, the journey long-bold strides will get us there. Let us charge ahead like horses with courage, vitality, and energy, fight for our dreams and our happiness, and turn our great vision into beautiful realities.

The sun of the new year will soon rise. May our great motherland stand in magnificence! May the fields across the country deliver good harvest! May our nation bathe in the glory of the morning! May you all enjoy life to the fullest, and achieve every success! May all your dreams come true!”

China conducts massive military drills near Taiwan. pic.twitter.com/JX8C7GOaLw

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 30, 2025

teleSUR/ JF

Source: Xinhua

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The Kremlin’s position on the Taiwan question is unchanged and has been repeatedly reaffirmed at the highest level.

On Tuesday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russia recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of China and opposes any form of “Taiwan independence.”

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Some countries, while claiming their adherence to the one-China principle, advocate maintaining the status quo, which runs counter to the principle of China’s national reunification, the ministry said in a statement.

The Taiwan question is currently being used by certain countries as an instrument of military and strategic containment against China, the ministry added.

Russia’s principled position on the Taiwan question is well known, unchanged, and has been repeatedly reaffirmed at the highest level, the Russian diplomacy said, adding that the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair and China has every legitimate basis to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

⚡️Russian FM Lavrov:

Russia will support China in protecting state unity and territorial integrity in the event of a possible escalation in the Taiwan Strait.

⚡️Chinese Type 055 destroyer Wuxi conducted a finalization test of the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship aeroballistic missile pic.twitter.com/hQGVxCAhFx

— The World War (@TheWorldWar12) December 28, 2025

On Tuesday night, the Chinese Embassy in Britain said that China “deeply deplores” and “firmly opposes” the remarks related to China’s Taiwan made by the British side.

Following the Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, a spokesperson of Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said that they have called for “restraint and the avoidance of any further actions that risk undermining peace and stability,” a remark the Chinese embassy called “erroneous” and “a misrepresentation of the facts and a manipulation of the truth.”

“Taiwan is a province of China, and the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair,” a spokesperson of the Chinese embassy said, adding that the drills conducted by the PLA are a punitive and deterrent action against Taiwan separatist forces, a stern warning against external interference and a necessary move to safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“No country is entitled to make irresponsible comments on it,” the spokesperson said, noting that China urges the British government to “earnestly respect the one-China principle and honor its commitment to China, refraining from any action which interferes in China’s internal affairs, emboldens the separatists in Taiwan and undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”

China conducts massive military drills near Taiwan. pic.twitter.com/JX8C7GOaLw

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 30, 2025

teleSUR/ JF

Source Xinhua

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The tariff shock has compounded the export-driven economy’s structural weaknesses.

Germany’s economy remains mired in stagnation as 2025 draws to a close, following two consecutive years of contraction. Early-year hopes of a modest recovery were dashed by an unexpected escalation of tariffs by the United States.

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Germany’s leading economic institutes are forecasting growth of just 0.1 percent for the year, after repeatedly cutting projections that had stood at 0.8 percent last autumn. The downgrades followed Washington’s decision to raise duties earlier in 2025.

Analysts say the tariff shock has compounded the export-driven economy’s structural weaknesses, with manufacturing already under strain. The combination of weaker external demand, eroded confidence, and limited traction from domestic policy has once again pushed recovery out of reach.

🚨🇮🇳India climbs past Japan to rank as the world’s 4th-largest economy, hitting a GDP of $4.18 trillion.

🌍 Global GDP leaderboard:

🇺🇸 United States: $30.5T
🇨🇳 China: $19.2T
🇩🇪 Germany: $4.7T
🇮🇳 India: $4.18T pic.twitter.com/yO3NIDibBR

— Sumit Kapoor (@moneygurusumit) December 31, 2025

EXPORTS TAKE FIRST HIT

Overseas shipments represent more than 40 percent of Germany’s gross domestic product (GDP), and for decades they have helped cushion the economy during downturns.

In 2025, however, that long-standing buffer has faded. With the United States among Germany’s main export destinations, exporters have been hit hard by the higher U.S. tariffs.

The tariffs have hit sectors that underpin Germany’s export strength, led by the automotive industry. A report published last week by the German Economic Institute (IW) showed that exports of German-made cars and auto parts to the United States, the largest category of shipments to that market, fell 13.9 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025. Shipments of mechanical engineering and chemical products, meanwhile, both declined by around 10 percent.

Germany’s overall exports to the United States dropped 7.8 percent during this period. IW economist Samina Sultan said steep U.S. tariffs on cars, steel and aluminum were a decisive factor, with the fall in shipments to the U.S. market alone shaving 0.81 percentage points off Germany’s global export growth this year.

Business groups see little sign of a near-term rebound. The German Wholesale and Foreign Trade Association (BGA) expects exports to fall by 2.5 percent in 2025, below earlier projections. BGA President Dirk Jandura on Monday highlighted how vulnerable Germany has become amid rising protectionism, since the country’s prosperity is closely tied to open global trade.

“Looking ahead, German exports are still facing rough headwinds,” said Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING, noting that a swift return of exports as a key driver of growth seems unlikely as the U.S. tariff pressure remains.

Hard to overstate the crisis engulfing the German economy – investment & goods exports in free fall, private consumption stagnant (despite higher population), only the size of government is growing.

Energy prices, US tariffs, China shock 2.0 – Germany needs a new growth model. https://t.co/RQEuPYNxeA pic.twitter.com/rirrwhq3ov

— Daniel Kral (@DanielKral1) November 25, 2025

KNOCK-ON EFFECTS FOR INDUSTRY

Manufacturing, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of Germany’s gross value added, has become an increasing drag on the economy.

Economists have repeatedly warned that the sector faces deep-seated structural problems, from high costs to weak investment. This year, external shocks, including U.S. tariffs, have compounded those strains, prompting firms to postpone investment plans and reassess Germany’s attractiveness as a production base.

A joint report by consultancy Deloitte and the Federation of German Industries (BDI) found that around one in five German manufacturing firms have already shifted production abroad, an increase of 8 percentage points over the past two years. “U.S. tariff policies are accelerating the relocation of German industry,” the report said.

Manufacturing activity has remained in contraction throughout 2025, with the HCOB Germany Manufacturing PMI compiled by S&P Global staying below the 50-point threshold. The index is expected to fall to 47.7 in December, its weakest reading in 10 months.

The downturn is also reflected in industry assessments. In its annual report, BDI said German industrial output is set to shrink by 2 percent this year, marking a fourth straight year of decline. The industrial base is “in free fall,” said BDI President Peter Leibinger.

Looking ahead, an ifo Institute survey showed that over one in four manufacturing firms expect conditions to worsen in 2026, while over half foresee stagnation. “Companies remain very cautious, and there is no spirit of optimism to be seen anywhere,” said Klaus Wohlrabe, ifo’s head of surveys.

DOMESTIC MEASURES SLOW TO GAIN TRACTION

With exports faltering and industry under mounting strain, Germany’s economy ministry has said recovery now needs to be driven by domestic demand rather than exports, citing uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and a stronger euro.

Earlier this year, Berlin unveiled an ambitious fiscal package, including a 500-billion-euro (US$588 billion) infrastructure fund and plans to ease the debt brake for defense spending. The government has also launched a joint investment initiative with large companies, which is worth more than 100 billion euros.

Economists initially described the package as a “shot in the arm” for the sluggish economy, but as the year progressed, policy uncertainty stemming from divisions within the ruling coalition slowed the rollout of the measures. After improving steadily from the start of the year through the summer, from September the ifo business climate index turned cautious again.

In its annual report to the federal government, the German Council of Economic Experts warned that fiscal stimulus and large investment funds had so far failed to revive the economy. The panel argued that deeper structural reforms and innovation would be needed to restore competitiveness and confidence in the economy.

Berlin is now placing greater emphasis on public investment and reforms. Investment is set to reach 126.7 billion euros under the 2026 federal budget. Research institutes now expect the economy to expand by around 0.8 percent in 2026, depending on how effectively domestic policies are implemented, and on the evolution of U.S. trade policy.

#FromTheSouth News Bits | Poland: A court rejected Germany's request to extradite a Ukrainian citizen suspected of being involved in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022. pic.twitter.com/aGchjIgmbK

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 21, 2025

teleSUR/ JF

Source: Xinhua

From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.

Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) reported the seizure of more than 52,000 kilograms of illicit drugs in 2025, following nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking networks and irregular armed groups, with a concentration in the country’s western region.

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According to the FANB, a total of 52,885 kilograms of drugs were confiscated over the year in western Venezuela, as outlined in an official operational balance. Military authorities said the actions were part of sustained efforts against narcotrafficking structures operating along key territorial corridors.

Officials from the Western Strategic Defense Region (REDI Occidental) stated that trafficking groups attempted to move drugs illegally into the country through the states of Zulia, Falcón and Lara. As part of these operations, Venezuelan forces destroyed eight aircraft allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Alto Orinoco area, strengthening border surveillance with Brazil.

Golpe contundente: Venezuela incauta más de 52 toneladas de droga en el occidente de su territorio durante 2025

📌La Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana de #Venezuela🇻🇪 asestó un golpe al narcotráfico en el occidente (Zulia, Falcón, Lara) del país durante el año 2025, logrando la… pic.twitter.com/0c5SEnJuRO

— teleSUR TV (@teleSURtv) December 31, 2025

The FANB said the operations were conducted in defense of sovereignty, the protection of the population and the guarantee of peace in the western region of the country, citing the role of the “popular-military-police fusion.”

In the Andean region, the armed forces reported the detection and destruction of “various logistical structures with relevant results,” leading to the seizure of two tons of drugs. In the Plains region, authorities reported the neutralization of 14 aircraft associated with drug trafficking, the confiscation of more than 1,400 kilograms of drugs, and the seizure of 80 firearms, 40 camps, 26 vessels and 23 laboratories. Four clandestine airstrips were also dismantled in Apure state as part of Operation Vuelvan Caras.

In eastern Venezuela, the Eastern Strategic Defense Region (REDI Oriental) reported the seizure of 2,058 kilograms of drugs, along with firearms, vessels and explosive devices, and the destruction of camps. Authorities said more than 7,000 individuals wanted for various crimes were placed at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The Strategic Defense Region of Guayana (REDI Guayana) reported the destruction of 25 camp-type structures, 35 illicit drug laboratories and the neutralization of 13 small aircraft. These operations also included the destruction of 125 camps linked to illegal mining, 424 motor pumps and the disabling of 49 mining rafts, as part of efforts against illicit mineral extraction.

The Maritime and Island Strategic Defense Region (REDIMAIN) said it seized and destroyed a significant quantity of illicit drugs and recovered material of judicial interest, as part of FANB actions described as aimed at defending sovereignty and providing comprehensive protection to the population.

The reported operations come amid heightened tensions with the United States, which recently deployed air and naval forces in the Caribbean under the stated objective of combating drug trafficking, a move that Caracas interprets as a threat and an attempt at political intervention.

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