The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean Sea on Sunday, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s counterdrug operations in South America. The deployment, part of “Operation Southern Spear,” brings the total number of U.S. troops in the region to approximately 12,000, supported by nearly a dozen Navy ships. The carrier strike group, which includes fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers, transited the Anegada Passage near the British Virgin Islands, according to a Navy statement. While the administration frames the buildup as a mission to combat drug trafficking, critics view it as a pressure tactic against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Since September, U.S. strikes have killed at least 80 people in 20 attacks on boats allegedly involved in drug transport. Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of the Ford’s strike group, emphasized the mission’s focus on protecting U.S. security against “narco-terrorism” in the Western Hemisphere. However, the administration has yet to provide evidence linking those killed to drug cartels or terrorist organizations. President Trump has hinted at expanding military action beyond maritime strikes, including potential land operations. The deployment has drawn criticism from regional leaders, the U.N. human rights chief, and U.S. lawmakers, who question the legal basis and transparency of the strikes. Meanwhile, Venezuela has mobilized troops and civilians in anticipation of possible U.S. aggression. Experts debate whether the Ford’s presence is a strategic deterrent or a provocative move, with some arguing it is ill-suited for counterdrug efforts but effective as a tool of intimidation. Elizabeth Dickinson of the International Crisis Group noted that the deployment has heightened anxieties across Latin America, with many watching closely to gauge the U.S. willingness to use military force.
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Clashes erupt in Mexico City anti-crime protests, injuring 120
A massive anti-crime protest in Mexico City turned violent on Saturday, resulting in over 100 injuries and 20 arrests, according to local government officials. Thousands of demonstrators, predominantly young Mexicans connected to a global wave of Generation Z activism, gathered at the historic Zocalo square. The protest was also fueled by the domestic ‘Sombrero Movement,’ which emerged following the recent assassination of Carlos Manzo, a mayor known for his fight against organized crime in Michoacan state. Participants of all ages rallied in front of the National Palace, where President Claudia Sheinbaum resides. The demonstration initially remained peaceful until a group of masked individuals began toppling metal barriers and hurling paving stones at riot police, who responded with tear gas. Mexico City’s security chief, Pablo Vazquez, reported that 20 protesters and 100 police officers were injured, with 40 officers hospitalized. Police arrested 20 individuals for theft and assault and launched an investigation into the alleged assault of a journalist from La Jornada newspaper. President Sheinbaum, who has faced criticism over her security policies, dismissed the protest as ‘inorganic’ and ‘paid for,’ suggesting foreign influence. Protesters displayed banners honoring Carlos Manzo and the pirate flag from the Japanese manga One Piece, a global symbol of youth resistance. The widow of the slain mayor distanced her husband’s movement from the protest, while demonstrators accused the government of failing to protect Manzo.
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Search for missing Royal Navy crew member stood down
The extensive search for a missing Royal Navy crew member off the north-west coast of the Republic of Ireland has been called off, with the individual remaining unlocated, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed. The crew member, part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge, was last seen around 22:30 local time on Friday. The search operation, which spanned the waters between Tory Island in County Donegal and Eagle Island in County Mayo, involved multiple agencies and resources. Defence Secretary John Healey expressed his profound sorrow over the outcome, stating, ‘After an extensive search, it is with deep sadness that we confirm the missing crew member of RFA Tidesurge has not been found. My thoughts are with their family during this tragic time, as well as their fellow crew members.’ He also extended his gratitude to the Irish authorities, the RNLI, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy for their swift and relentless efforts in the search. The Irish Coast Guard received a distress call from a Royal Navy support vessel before 09:00 on Saturday, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. The search involved aerial support from the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing plane Rescue 120F, based in Shannon airport; Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 118, based in Sligo; and the Irish Air Corps plane, CASA 284. At sea, the search was coordinated by the UK naval support vessel and three RNLI all-weather lifeboats based at Ballyglass, Arranmore Island, and Lough Swilly. The family of the missing crew member has been informed, and an investigation into the incident is now underway. No other individuals were reported harmed or missing during the operation.
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Dubai Exhibition Centre to have over 10,000 parking spaces, extensive transport options
The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City is poised to become a hub of global events and exhibitions, with its first phase set to open in early 2026, six months ahead of schedule. The Dh10-billion project will feature over 10,000 parking spaces in its initial phase, strategically distributed across the city to accommodate millions of visitors. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice-President of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), emphasized the Centre’s commitment to sustainability and convenience, with 7,000-plus parking spaces dedicated to exhibitors and a transport hub designed to shuttle visitors efficiently. The first phase will offer 140,000 square metres of space for exhibitions, conferences, and large-scale events, with the first major exhibition scheduled for January 2026. Phase two, covering 160,000 square metres, will be completed by 2028, featuring permanent halls, enhanced road networks, and direct connectivity to Expo City. The final phase, set for 2031, will expand the Centre to 180,000 square metres of indoor space across 26 halls, complemented by integrated hospitality, retail, and commercial facilities. Julfar highlighted the Dubai Metro as a preferred transport option, with plans to increase its frequency and provide park-and-ride services. Additionally, 20 shuttle buses will operate between the Dubai World Trade Centre and DEC every 30 minutes. The Centre’s strategic location includes three nearby hotels, 45-plus hotels within 20 minutes, and over 150 hotels, three shopping malls, and 15 major attractions within a 30-minute drive. The completion of Maktoum International Airport by 2033 is expected to further enhance the ecosystem, solidifying DEC’s reputation as the ‘future city of Dubai.’
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Chinese Medicine Industry Council of Australia calls for deeper Australia–China health cooperation
The Chinese Medicine Industry Council of Australia (CMIC) has called for enhanced health cooperation between Australia and China, emphasizing the growing significance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in community health. The appeal was made during the 15th anniversary celebration of CMIC in Sydney on November 15, where industry leaders and officials highlighted the potential for unity, innovation, and shared development in advancing TCM. Counsellor Jin Jianmin from the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney noted that China’s latest Five-Year Plan prioritizes the modernization of healthcare, including the integration of TCM and Western medicine, which opens new avenues for bilateral collaboration. CMIC President Max Anyang Ma reflected on the organization’s 15-year journey, stressing its commitment to professionalism, quality, and industry cohesion. He highlighted the importance of high-quality herbal materials and practitioner expertise in achieving effective clinical outcomes. Ma also outlined CMIC’s efforts in policy engagement, standards development, and talent cultivation, as well as its role in addressing regulatory issues. The event also featured the presentation of the Australia Qihuang Awards, recognizing contributions to TCM research, education, and clinical practice. Pamela Longley, chair of the NSW Chinese Medicine Council, acknowledged the challenges of introducing TCM in Australia but expressed optimism about the gradual shift in public understanding through sustained cooperation between Chinese and Australian practitioners.
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Chinese scientists discover lunar rust, revealing new oxidation process on the moon
In a groundbreaking discovery, Chinese scientists have identified micrometer-sized crystals of hematite and maghemite in lunar soil samples retrieved by the Chang’e 6 mission from the moon’s far side. Published in the journal Science Advances, this finding unveils a previously unknown oxidation process on the moon, challenging the long-held belief that the lunar surface is entirely in a reduced state with minimal oxidation. The research, conducted by Shandong University, the Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Yunnan University, analyzed samples from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the largest and oldest known impact basin in the solar system. Using advanced techniques such as micro-area electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, the team confirmed the native origin of these iron oxides, ruling out contamination from Earth. Unlike Earth, where rust forms through water and oxygen interactions, the moon’s ‘rust’ originates from violent asteroid impacts. These impacts created transient high-oxygen-fugacity gas environments, oxidizing iron in troilite minerals and forming hematite through vapor-phase deposition at 700 to 1,000 degrees Celsius. This process also produced magnetic minerals like magnetite and maghemite, which may explain the magnetic anomalies observed around the SPA Basin. The findings not only enrich our understanding of the moon’s evolutionary history but also provide a scientific basis for future lunar studies. The Chang’e 6 mission, launched in May 2024, successfully retrieved 1,935.3 grams of samples from the moon’s far side, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.
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Samsung and other South Korean firms pledge larger domestic investments after US tariff deal
In a significant move to bolster domestic economic growth, South Korea’s corporate titans, including Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group, have unveiled expansive investment plans following a high-profile meeting with President Lee Jae Myung. This development comes just days after South Korea finalized a landmark trade agreement with the United States, aimed at averting steep tariffs and fostering bilateral economic ties.
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Dubai: 60% work complete for first flying taxi vertiport near DXB
Dubai is making significant strides in its ambitious plan to launch the world’s first aerial taxi network by 2026, with the construction of its inaugural vertiport near Dubai International Airport (DXB) now 60% complete. Developed by Skyports Infrastructure, this cutting-edge facility spans 3,100 square meters across four floors and features dedicated levels for parking, take-off and landing pads, electric aircraft charging stations, and fully air-conditioned passenger areas. Once operational, the vertiport is expected to handle approximately 42,000 landings annually, catering to around 170,000 passengers. This project is a cornerstone of Dubai’s broader initiative to establish a network of vertiports across key locations, including Zabeel Dubai Mall, Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These sites, developed in collaboration with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group, will form the backbone of the city’s electric aerial taxi network. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has also completed the first crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight in the UAE, conducted with Joby Aviation, marking a pivotal milestone in the project’s development. Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of RTA, emphasized that the service aims to provide a fast, safe, and convenient mobility option, significantly reducing travel times across the city. For instance, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take just 10 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by road. The aerial taxis, equipped with six rotors and four battery packs, can carry four passengers and a pilot, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h with a range of 160 kilometers. Skyports Infrastructure CEO Duncan Walker hailed the vertiport’s development as a historic moment, while Joby Aviation founder JoeBen Bevirt expressed confidence in the project’s progress towards a 2026 commercial rollout. This initiative is part of a multi-agency collaboration involving RTA, the General Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Air Navigation Services, Skyports Infrastructure, and Joby Aviation.
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China’s major airlines offer refunds and rebooking for Japan-bound passengers amid security alert
In response to heightened security concerns and political tensions, China’s leading airlines have introduced special measures to assist passengers traveling to Japan. On Saturday, November 16, 2025, major carriers including Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines announced free refunds and rebooking options for eligible Japan-bound tickets. This initiative follows a security alert issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassies in Japan, urging Chinese citizens to avoid travel to the country due to escalating safety risks. The advisory cited increased public security issues, such as violent incidents involving Chinese nationals and unresolved cases, as well as provocative statements by Japanese leaders regarding Taiwan, which have strained bilateral relations. Passengers who purchased or reissued tickets before midday on Saturday and have unused travel segments to or from major Japanese cities—including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Hiroshima, and Okinawa—can apply for free refunds or itinerary changes until December 31, 2025. The policy covers both standard and mileage-redemption tickets for flights operated by the airlines and certain codeshare services. Requests must be submitted after 00:00 on Saturday, in accordance with each airline’s specific conditions. The airlines emphasized that these temporary arrangements aim to provide flexibility for passengers adjusting their travel plans in light of the government’s warning. Chinese authorities also advised citizens currently in Japan to remain vigilant, enhance personal safety measures, and seek assistance from local police or Chinese diplomatic missions if needed.
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Federal agents launch immigration crackdown in city of Charlotte
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched ‘Operation Charlotte’s Web,’ a targeted immigration enforcement initiative in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration. The operation, announced on Saturday, aims to apprehend ‘criminal illegal aliens’ in the Democratic-led city. However, local officials, including Mayor Li Vyles, have condemned the operation, stating it has instilled ‘unnecessary fear and uncertainty’ among residents. Since Trump’s return to office, his administration has deployed federal agents to major cities like Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago, fulfilling his pledge to implement ‘the largest deportation programme’ in U.S. history. Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary, emphasized the deployment of law enforcement to Charlotte to ‘ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed.’ Internal government documents obtained by CBS News suggest that armored vehicles and special operations teams may be involved in the operation. Reports from The Charlotte Observer detail harrowing scenes, including church members fleeing into the woods as Border Patrol agents conducted arrests without proper identification or questioning. Inside the church, women and children wept, fearing their loved ones had been taken. A 15-year-old witness expressed disbelief, stating, ‘We thought church was safe and nothing gonna happen.’ Local bakery owner Manolo Betancur told NBC News that ‘a lot of children have lost their parents’ since the raids began. The DHS justified the operation by citing North Carolina’s failure to honor nearly 1,400 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, attributing their release to ‘sanctuary policies.’ While Charlotte is not a sanctuary city, it holds a ‘certified welcoming city’ designation, reflecting its commitment to immigration inclusion. The DHS defended the operation, asserting that ‘President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem will step up to protect Americans when sanctuary politicians won’t.’ Charlotte, an ethnically diverse city with approximately 17% of its population born outside the U.S., faces ongoing uncertainty as the DHS has not disclosed the duration of the raids. Similar operations in Chicago and Los Angeles have drawn criticism for alleged excessive use of force. According to CBS, New Orleans is next on Trump’s list, with up to 200 agents potentially deployed to the city.