The United States has carried out its fifth maritime strike targeting a vessel accused of drug trafficking off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in six fatalities. President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, labeling the vessel as belonging to ‘narcoterrorists’ and involved in illicit narcotics trade. This marks the latest in a series of similar strikes since September, which have collectively claimed 27 lives. However, the US has yet to provide concrete evidence or details regarding the identities of the vessels or individuals involved. The strikes have drawn criticism from legal experts and neighboring countries, including Colombia and Venezuela, who argue that the actions may violate international law. Trump defended the operation, stating that intelligence confirmed the vessel’s association with narcoterrorist networks and its use of a known smuggling route. He also shared an aerial surveillance video depicting the strike. The US has framed these actions as self-defense, despite ongoing debates over their legality. The strikes coincide with a leaked memo to Congress, which suggests the US considers itself in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels. The deployment of warships to the Caribbean further underscores the administration’s aggressive stance. Critics argue that the strikes are part of a broader political strategy to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces a $50 million US bounty for alleged drug trafficking. Maduro has vehemently denied the accusations, while Venezuelan officials have questioned the authenticity of the footage shared by Trump.
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Top European human rights official urges UK to review protest laws over Palestine Action arrests
Europe’s top human rights official has called on the British government to reassess its protest laws following the controversial designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concerns in a letter to UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, stating that the current legal framework risks excessive restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression, potentially leading to overpolicing. This intervention follows a report by Middle East Eye revealing a significant increase in arrests under Section 13 counterterrorism powers since Palestine Action’s proscription in July. Hundreds have been detained for displaying placards opposing the ban, with supporting the group now a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. O’Flaherty emphasized that domestic counterterrorism laws must not unduly limit fundamental rights and urged a comprehensive review of the UK’s protest policing legislation. His concerns align with a recent study by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), which accused the UK, France, and Germany of criminalizing the right to protest. The UK government has also introduced new protest restrictions following a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue, sparking widespread criticism for their authoritarian nature.
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England reaches 2026 World Cup by routing Latvia. Ronaldo and Portugal miss chance to clinch a spot
In a decisive display of dominance, England became the first European nation to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, clinching their qualification with a commanding 5-0 victory over Latvia on Tuesday. Captain Harry Kane led the charge with a first-half brace, solidifying England’s position at the top of their qualifying group with two matches remaining. Under the guidance of German coach Thomas Tuchel, the English squad has maintained an impeccable defensive record, conceding zero goals in six qualifying matches. Kane, who has netted a combined 21 goals for England and Bayern Munich this season, emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining high standards regardless of the opponent. Meanwhile, Portugal’s path to qualification hit a snag as they conceded a stoppage-time equalizer against Hungary, resulting in a 2-2 draw in Lisbon. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice to give Portugal a temporary lead, now holds the record for most goals in World Cup qualifiers with 41, surpassing Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. Despite the setback, Portugal remains in contention for a spot in the tournament. In other qualifying action, Italy secured at least a playoff berth with a 3-0 win over Israel, while Spain maintained their group lead with a 4-0 victory over Bulgaria.
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Hit-style shooting of Venezuelan activists in Colombia fuels fear of wider persecution by Maduro
The recent targeted shooting of two Venezuelan activists in Bogotá, Colombia, has ignited widespread concern among Venezuela’s diaspora, raising alarms that President Nicolás Maduro’s crackdown on dissent is extending beyond Venezuela’s borders. On Monday afternoon, human rights activist Yendri Velásquez and political consultant Luis Peche Arteaga were ambushed by unidentified assailants in a car as they exited a building in northern Bogotá. The attackers fired approximately 15 shots, with Peche Arteaga sustaining six gunshot wounds. Both victims underwent surgery and are now in stable condition, according to Laura Dib, Velásquez’s colleague and Venezuela Program Director for the Washington Office on Latin America.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Venezuela’s human rights community, with Dib describing it as a stark reminder of the dangers of transnational repression. While Colombian authorities are investigating the attack, civil society leaders suspect the shooting was politically motivated, given the victims’ profiles as prominent critics of the Maduro regime. Velásquez and Peche Arteaga were among the thousands who fled Venezuela last year following widespread accusations of election fraud and the government’s detention of over 2,000 activists and opposition figures.
Velásquez, who had previously been arbitrarily detained by Venezuelan authorities and had his passport canceled, sought refuge in Colombia, joining nearly 8 million Venezuelans who have fled the country’s economic and political crisis. However, the attack has heightened fears among exiles that they are no longer safe even abroad. Arles Pereda, president of the Colony of Venezuelans in Colombia, warned that such violence was anticipated due to the government’s history of targeting civil society groups. He emphasized the need for enhanced security measures, including hiring bodyguards and identifying third countries for emergency relocation.
The shooting coincides with escalating tensions in the region. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who recently received the Nobel Peace Prize, condemned the attack as a grave aggression and called for protection for Venezuelan exiles. Meanwhile, Maduro’s government has drawn criticism for its abrupt closure of the Venezuelan embassy in Oslo and its ongoing disputes with the U.S. over drug trafficking allegations. The Trump administration’s recent reduction of international aid and protections for Venezuelans has further complicated efforts to support exiles.
As Andean nations grapple with the largest migratory crisis in Latin American history, hostility toward Venezuelan migrants has grown, exacerbating their vulnerability. Despite seeking assistance from Colombia’s Ombudsman’s Office, Velásquez had not been granted international protection at the time of the attack. Dib lamented the missed opportunities to safeguard activists, calling the incident a wake-up call for the international community to address the escalating threats faced by Venezuelan dissidents.
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Pakistan reports a new clash with Afghan forces along northwest border
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Pakistani and Afghan forces clashed on Tuesday in a remote northwestern border region. According to Pakistan’s state-run media, Afghan troops initiated “unprovoked fire,” which was met with a robust response from Pakistani forces. The confrontation resulted in damage to Afghan tanks and military posts, as reported by Pakistan TV and two anonymous security officials. Tahir Ahrar, a deputy police spokesperson in Afghanistan’s Khost province, confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details. This marks the second time this week that the two nations have exchanged fire along their volatile border. Pakistan’s media alleged that Afghan forces, in collaboration with the Pakistani Taliban, targeted a Pakistani post in Kurram district without provocation, prompting a forceful retaliation. Additionally, Pakistani security officials claimed that the military destroyed a significant training facility operated by the Pakistani Taliban. The clashes come amid heightened tensions following airstrikes last week, which the Taliban government in Kabul attributed to Pakistan. Pakistan has not acknowledged these allegations but has previously conducted strikes inside Afghanistan, targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group it accuses Kabul of harboring. Afghanistan denies these accusations, asserting that its territory is not used against other nations. Despite appeals from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to de-escalate, all border crossings between the two countries remain closed, and the situation remains precarious.
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Female leaders urge global solidarity for women’s development
At the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing, prominent female leaders from around the world emphasized the need for global solidarity to advance women’s development and address ongoing challenges. Cathy Nori, Minister of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs of the Solomon Islands, highlighted the nation’s efforts to promote gender equality and protect women from violence. She also pointed out the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, urging collective action to ensure no one is left behind. Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, reflected on the progress made since the Beijing Declaration in 1995 but stressed that significant work remains, particularly in areas like political participation, economic empowerment, and reproductive rights. Zhang Haidi, former Chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, shared her personal story of resilience, inspired by her mother’s enduring strength despite decades of illness. She encouraged women, especially those with disabilities, to embrace their inner fortitude and create possibilities for a better society. The event underscored the importance of continued advocacy and collaboration to achieve gender equality and empower women globally.
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New Africa CDC platform boosts regional health manufacturing
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has introduced the African Manufacturing Market Intelligence & Network Analysis (AMMINA) platform, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance health manufacturing, innovation, and self-reliance across the continent. Launched during the African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference in Accra, Ghana, the platform aims to bolster health sovereignty and reduce Africa’s dependency on imported medical supplies. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized that AMMINA will provide comprehensive data on manufacturers, production capacities, product portfolios, and market trends, enabling informed decision-making and fostering industrial growth. Initially, the platform maps data from over 700 manufacturers and 2,500 health products across 18 African Union (AU) Member States, with plans to expand coverage to all 55 Member States. AMMINA is expected to stimulate intra-African trade, attract sustainable investments, and drive innovation in local production of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics. Africa CDC, in collaboration with AU institutions and partners, envisions AMMINA as a pivotal tool to unlock Africa’s manufacturing potential and secure the continent’s health future. This initiative comes as African nations strive to build a resilient health ecosystem, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
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US charges Cambodian executive in massive crypto scam and seizes more than $14 billion in bitcoin
In a landmark crackdown on global financial crime, U.S. authorities have seized over $14 billion in bitcoin and charged Chen Zhi, the founder of Cambodia’s Prince Holding Group, with orchestrating a sprawling cryptocurrency scam. The indictment, unsealed by Brooklyn federal prosecutors on Tuesday, accuses Chen and unnamed co-conspirators of exploiting forced labor to defraud investors and laundering illicit proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of yachts, private jets, and a Picasso painting. Chen, 38, faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, with potential penalties of up to 40 years in prison if convicted. The U.S. Treasury Department has designated Prince Holding Group, a conglomerate involved in real estate and financial services, as a transnational criminal organization, while sanctions have been imposed by both U.S. and British authorities. Chen, who remains at large, is alleged to have sanctioned violence against workers, authorized bribes to foreign officials, and used his businesses, including online gambling and cryptocurrency mining, to launder profits. The scam, described as one of the largest investment fraud operations in history, reportedly generated $30 million daily at its peak. U.S. authorities plan to use the seized bitcoins, currently valued at approximately $113,000 each, to compensate victims. The case highlights the growing threat of Southeast Asia-based scams, which cost Americans $10 billion in 2023 alone. Chen, a close associate of Cambodia’s ruling elite, has been under investigation by Chinese authorities since 2020 for cyber fraud and money laundering. Experts warn that while the indictment and sanctions disrupt the criminal network, dismantling the scam economy will require sustained international efforts.
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Sudan’s conflict is ‘a war on children’, says landmark report
A damning report by the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights has unveiled the harrowing reality of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, revealing that children are being deliberately targeted in what it describes as a ‘war on children.’ The investigation implicates both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in widespread atrocities, including killings, sexual violence, forced recruitment, and the destruction of critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools. The report also highlights the involvement of external actors, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is accused of supplying heavy weaponry, drones, and financial support to the RSF.
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AUC congratulates Seychelles president-elect Patrick Herminie
The African Union (AU) has extended its congratulations to Patrick Herminie, the newly elected president of Seychelles, following his victory in the presidential runoff election on October 12, 2025. The AU has pledged its full support to the incoming administration, emphasizing its commitment to collaborating on the objectives outlined in Agenda 2063, the continent’s strategic framework for socio-economic transformation.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, praised the citizens of Seychelles for their ‘peaceful and orderly participation’ in what he termed a ‘credible democratic process.’ In a statement released on Sunday, Youssouf highlighted the election as a testament to Seychelles’ dedication to the rule of law and democratic governance. He also lauded the outgoing president, Wavel Ramkalawan, and other candidates for their adherence to the principles of peaceful political competition.
Official results from the Seychelles Electoral Commission revealed that Herminie, leader of the United Seychelles party, secured 52.7 percent of the votes, narrowly defeating incumbent Ramkalawan, who received 47.3 percent. The election proceeded to a second round after neither candidate achieved an outright majority in the initial ballot held two weeks prior.
In his victory speech, Herminie expressed his commitment to unifying the nation, stating, ‘We are turning a new page for all Seychellois. I will be the president of all Seychellois, ending divisions and ensuring fairness and opportunity for everyone.’ His election marks a significant moment in Seychelles’ political landscape, signaling a shift towards inclusive governance and renewed regional collaboration under the AU’s guidance.