CARACAS, Venezuela — U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright arrived in Venezuela on Wednesday to conduct an on-the-ground evaluation of the country’s deteriorating oil infrastructure, signaling Washington’s deepening involvement in revitalizing the nation’s most critical economic sector. This high-level visit occurs amid the Trump administration’s ongoing suspension of sanctions designed to permit international energy corporations to resume operations in Venezuela. The diplomatic mission follows last month’s landmark legislative changes in Venezuela that effectively ended the state-owned PDVSA’s two-decade monopoly over oil production and sales. The new energy law permits private companies to control production, manage sales, and participate in independent arbitration processes—a significant departure from the socialist policies that have governed Venezuela’s oil industry since the early 2000s. Secretary Wright is scheduled to meet with acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed office following the controversial military operation that resulted in the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro. Rodríguez personally championed the energy sector reforms after President Trump pledged American assistance in managing Venezuela’s oil exports and attracting foreign investment. The Venezuelan government anticipates these legal safeguards will reassure hesitant U.S. oil giants concerned about political instability and historical expropriation risks.
作者： admin
-
Thai police arrest gunman after two injured in school siege
Thai authorities have successfully resolved a dangerous hostage situation at Phatong Prathan Keeriwat School following a two-hour standoff with an armed teenager. The incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when an 18-year-old male suspect entered the educational facility near Hat Yai city and commenced shooting, wounding at least two individuals before taking teachers and students hostage.
According to official reports, the violence erupted shortly before 5:00 PM local time when the assailant forced his way into the school premises. The institution’s principal sustained gunshot injuries and was among those transported to medical facilities for emergency treatment. A female student was also shot during the confrontation, while another pupil suffered injuries after leaping from the building in a state of panic-induced desperation.
Specialized police units immediately cordoned off the area and initiated crisis negotiation protocols. After prolonged discussions with law enforcement officials, the teenage suspect ultimately surrendered without further violence and was taken into custody. Multiple ambulances were dispatched to the scene and evacuated those affected once the situation was secured.
While investigative authorities have not yet determined the precise motivation behind the attack, preliminary media reports indicate the perpetrator might have harbored personal grievances against a specific teacher at the institution.
This distressing event highlights Thailand’s persistent challenges with firearm-related violence, where both legal and illegal gun possession remains prevalent nationwide. The Southeast Asian nation has witnessed several devastating shooting incidents in recent years, including last year’s food market tragedy in Bangkok that claimed five lives, a 2023 shopping mall shooting by a 14-year-old that resulted in two fatalities and five injuries, and the horrific 2022 kindergarten massacre in northeastern Thailand where a former police officer killed 36 people, predominantly young children.
-
Taoiseach names Stakeknife in Irish parliament
In a landmark parliamentary address, Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has officially identified Freddie Scappaticci as the British Army agent known as ‘Stakeknife,’ breaking years of official silence surrounding one of the most controversial figures of The Troubles. The revelation came during a Dáil Éireann debate concerning the findings of the £47.5 million Operation Kenova investigation.
Martin asserted that Scappaticci’s identity was ‘clear to everybody here,’ directly challenging the UK government’s continued reluctance to formally name the agent. The Taoiseach revealed that Scappaticci, a west Belfast native who died in 2023, operated as Britain’s highest-ranking informant within the Provisional IRA from the late 1970s through the 1990s. According to Martin, the British Army maintained a dedicated 24-hour intelligence phone line specifically for his communications.
The Kenova report, published last year but unable to officially identify Stakeknife due to government restrictions, detailed Scappaticci’s alleged involvement in 14 murders and 15 abductions carried out ‘for and with’ the Provisional IRA. Martin condemned these actions as crimes against the republican community that ‘no amount of aggressive revisionist history’ could erase.
In a dramatic exchange, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald offered a broad apology ‘for all the lives lost during the conflict and for the hurt and loss endured, without exception.’ While expressing sorrow for all victims, McDonald simultaneously accused British state collusion as ‘not an aberration but [a] defining feature of British state policy during the conflict.’
The Sinn Féin leader called for a full public inquiry into British state activities in Ireland and condemned the UK’s Legacy Act as designed to ‘close down truth’ rather than deliver it. She characterized the legislation as granting ‘impunity’ to British state actors.
A UK Government spokesperson responded that ongoing litigation prevents an official response to Operation Kenova’s naming request, with the Secretary of State committed to updating Parliament when possible. The disclosure has reignited tensions over accountability for Troubles-era crimes and exposed continuing divisions in the reconciliation process.
-
Valentine’s Day 2026: Where to celebrate Galentine’s Day in Dubai this weekend
As the Valentine’s season approaches in February 2026, Dubai transforms into the ultimate destination for celebrating female friendships with an array of specially curated Galentine’s Day experiences. Falling on Friday, February 13th, this year’s celebration presents the perfect opportunity for women to embrace sisterhood through sophisticated dining, creative workshops, and elevated entertainment options across the city.
The culinary scene offers distinctive experiences such as Ms Banc at The Banc, which reimagines the viral ‘girl dinner’ concept through a luxury lens. Priced at AED 198 per person, this share-style dining experience available from noon features indulgent offerings including salad, unlimited fries, crème fraîche, caviar, and beverages within a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere.
For those seeking vibrant energy, Above Eleven at Palm Jumeirah hosts a Latino-inspired celebration with two-hour free-flow packages at AED 199 complemented by live Latino beats from Ritmo Arriba. Alternatively, Hotel Indigo presents a unique ‘Vision Board & Vino’ evening combining creativity with camaraderie, offering unlimited beverages, gourmet platters, and vision board materials for AED 200 per person from 8-10 PM.
Adventure-seeking groups can experience the Dubai Balloon at Atlantis The Palm, which combines a scenic flight with a guided sip-and-paint session overlooking Palm Jumeirah beach. Priced at AED 250 from 4-6 PM, this package includes art materials, sparkling date juice, and special keepsake jewellery pouches for the first 40 attendees.
The Stables offers an interactive evening featuring anonymous note submissions, themed beverages, and a ‘Read Me a Love Letter’ open mic session from 8 PM to midnight. For morning celebrations, Grazer Downtown extends the festivities through Valentine’s weekend with a Galentine’s Breakfast Club featuring extensive sharing boards and beverage options for AED 79 per person from 8 AM to noon on February 14th and 15th.
-
‘It was terrifying’: Tumbler Ridge’s tight-knit community in shock after shooting
The tranquil community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has been plunged into profound grief following a catastrophic shooting incident that resulted in nine fatalities and at least 25 injuries at a local secondary school and a nearby residence. Situated 667 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, this remote town of approximately 2,500 residents experienced unprecedented violence that has shattered its sense of security.
Local officials expressed overwhelming shock at the tragedy. Town Mayor Darryl Krakowka characterized the community’s bond as familial rather than municipal, stating, ‘I don’t call them residents. I call them family,’ emphasizing the deeply personal impact on every household.
The horror unfolded during school hours, triggering extended lockdown protocols that left families in agonizing uncertainty. Councilman Chris Norbury experienced particular distress as his wife teaches at the targeted secondary school while his daughter attends neighboring elementary classes. His account reveals the terror of being simultaneously geographically close yet completely helpless, relying on emergency alerts and social media for fragmented information amid the crisis.
Darian Quist, a twelfth-grade student, described sheltering with classmates for over two hours while barricading doors against the unknown threat. The psychological impact intensified as graphic images circulated among students during the lockdown. His mother, Shelley Quist, recalled the paralyzing fear while working at the local hospital, separated from her child during the crisis.
The three-and-a-half-hour lockdown concluded with what witnesses described as ‘organized chaos’ during the evacuation process. The full scale of casualties emerged gradually, compounding the community’s trauma as the number of victims became clear.
Norbury, a former children’s librarian, somberly reflected on likely knowing the young victims personally. The shooting represents both a personal loss and a fundamental challenge to the community’s identity, given Tumbler Ridge’s historically low crime rates and tight-knit social fabric.
Looking forward, residents already confront difficult questions about long-term psychological impacts on survivors and the community’s collective sense of safety. Norbury emphasized resilience while acknowledging the need for psychological support: ‘We are strong and we are resilient and we will get through this.’ The tragedy marks a permanent alteration of the community’s self-perception, transforming this formerly peaceful town into another statistic in Canada’s growing history of mass shootings.
-
Philippines ferry disaster death toll rises to 52; shipping firm faces licence cancellation
In a significant escalation of the response to a major maritime disaster, the Philippine government has initiated stringent legal and administrative actions against Aleson Shipping Lines. This follows the confirmation that the death toll from the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 has risen to 52 after recovery divers located another victim within the vessel’s wreckage on Wednesday, February 11.
The ferry, which foundered off the coast of Basilan on January 26, was carrying 316 survivors alongside the deceased. The Department of Transportation (DoTR) has directed the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to pursue charges against the shipping operator and is considering the permanent revocation of its business licenses. Central to the state’s case are allegations of severe safety negligence, including the deliberate overloading of passengers aboard an aging and poorly maintained vessel.
Survivor testimonies have painted a harrowing picture of the evacuation, alleging that crew members prioritized securing their own safety by being the first to board lifeboats, abandoning their duty to assist panicked passengers. Further reports indicate a critical shortage of adequate life vests on board.
In a parallel move to ensure an impartial probe, Acting Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the immediate relief of six Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and eight Marina officials. These individuals were responsible for pre-departure inspections, including verifying the passenger manifest and the boat’s seaworthy condition. Secretary Lopez underscored the government’s position, stating unequivocally that ‘maritime safety is not optional.’
The tragedy evokes grim memories for the region and the company involved; Aleson Shipping Lines previously owned the Lady Mary Joy 3, a ferry that caught fire on the same route in 2023, resulting in 31 fatalities. This recurrent pattern highlights systemic issues within the Philippine inter-island transport sector, which heavily depends on often-aged vessels acquired from countries like Japan and Korea. The nation’s history is marred by maritime tragedies, most infamously the 1987 collision involving the MV Doña Paz, which led to over 4,000 deaths.
-
Powerful cyclone kills at least 20 as it tears through Madagascar port
A devastating cyclone has unleashed catastrophic damage across eastern Madagascar, claiming at least 20 lives and plunging the port city of Toamasina into what authorities describe as ‘total chaos.’ Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Tuesday, striking with ferocious winds reaching 250 km/h (155 mph) – one of the most intense storms recorded in the satellite era for the region.
According to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management, the majority of fatalities occurred when residential structures collapsed under the cyclone’s brutal force. The storm’s impact zone witnessed widespread destruction: approximately 90% of houses suffered complete or partial roof loss, power lines snapped creating widespread blackouts, and trees were violently uprooted across neighborhoods.
The disaster management office has executed emergency evacuations, relocating dozens of injured individuals and hundreds of residents from districts surrounding Toamasina, a urban center housing approximately 400,000 people. Survivors recounted terrifying experiences as the cyclone struck. ‘I have never experienced winds this violent… The doors and windows are made of metal, but they are being violently shaken,’ Harimanga Ranaivo told Reuters.
This catastrophic event marks the second major cyclone to batter Madagascar within just ten days. Tropical cyclone Fytia recently claimed 14 lives and displaced over 31,000 people according to UN humanitarian reports, compounding the nation’s emergency response challenges.
In preparation for Gezani’s arrival, Malagasy authorities had implemented preventive measures including school closures and emergency shelter preparations. By Wednesday morning, the meteorological service reported the system had weakened to a moderate tropical storm, moving westward inland approximately 100km north of the capital Antananarivo. Forecasters project the storm will cross the central highlands before exiting into the Mozambique Channel.
The nation’s new leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina – who assumed power in October – was personally assessing the damage in Toamasina on Wednesday morning. The Indian Ocean cyclone season typically spans November through April, generating approximately a dozen annual storms in the region according to meteorological patterns.
-
30 panda cubs born in 2025 debut to send Spring Festival greetings
In a heartwarming prelude to the Lunar New Year celebrations, thirty giant panda cubs born throughout 2025 made their inaugural public appearance on Wednesday. The festive debut occurred simultaneously across multiple conservation facilities in Sichuan province, China’s primary panda habitat region.
The young pandas, representing the latest successful breeding season, were showcased across four specially designed exhibition areas at two premier conservation institutions: the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda facilities in Ya’an and Wolong Shenshuping, along with the panda nurseries at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Each location featured elaborate Lunar New Year decorations creating a celebratory atmosphere for the occasion.
This collective public introduction serves both as a Spring Festival greeting to the Chinese people and a demonstration of China’s ongoing achievements in giant panda conservation. The simultaneous reveal across multiple facilities highlights the coordinated efforts among China’s leading panda breeding centers, which have made significant progress in overcoming the reproductive challenges that once threatened the species.
The 2025 cohort represents one of the most successful breeding years in recent memory, contributing substantially to the captive population of this vulnerable species. Conservation experts note that each successful breeding season provides valuable data for reproductive research and genetic diversity management.
The public debut ceremony, timed to coincide with Lunar New Year festivities, symbolizes hope, renewal, and natural prosperity—themes deeply connected to both the cultural celebration and conservation efforts. Visitors to the facilities during the holiday period will have the opportunity to witness these young pandas as they begin to explore their environments under the care of dedicated conservation staff.
-
Jebel Jais opens fully to visitors, no entry permit needed
RAS AL KHAIMAH – Jebel Jais, the United Arab Emirates’ highest peak, has resumed full public access without entry permit requirements following comprehensive restoration of mountain roads damaged by seasonal heavy rainfall. The Ras Al Khaimah tourism destination officially lifted all access restrictions on February 11, 2026, marking a complete return to normal operations after weeks of controlled access during repair works.
Authorities confirmed that visitors can now freely explore the mountain’s scenic viewpoints, outdoor attractions, and dining venues without prior permissions. The reopening represents a significant enhancement to visitor accessibility at the popular destination, which had implemented temporary safety measures following weather-related infrastructure damage earlier this season.
The restoration process involved phased reopening strategies, beginning with limited access under specific entry controls while engineering teams conducted safety assessments and repaired damaged road sections. With these works now completed, the mountain has returned to full operational status, allowing unimpeded access to its recreational facilities and natural attractions.
Dining establishments at the peak have resumed normal service, though 1484 by Puro – the UAE’s highest restaurant – continues to require confirmed reservations for entry. Red Rock BBQ has similarly reopened with its complete à la carte menu available to visitors. All other attractions and leisure experiences remain accessible to the public, offering opportunities to enjoy the mountain’s cooler climate and natural scenery.
The Jais Sky Tour multi-zipline adventure is scheduled to officially recommence operations on February 18, operating Wednesdays through Sundays and public holidays with sessions at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2:00 PM.
-
Israel revokes citizenship from two Palestinians ahead of deporting them
In a landmark decision with profound legal implications, the Israeli government has initiated the first-ever revocation of citizenship for two Palestinian individuals, authorizing their deportation to occupied Palestinian territories. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally approved the measure on Tuesday, targeting Mahmoud Ahmed from Kafr Aqab and Muhammad Ahmed Hussein al-Halasa from Jabel Mukaber, both residents of occupied East Jerusalem.
The individuals in question were previously convicted by Israeli courts for involvement in fatal attacks against Israeli citizens. This legal action derives its authority from controversial legislation enacted in 2023, which permits the stripping of citizenship or permanent residency status from Palestinians accused of ‘acts of terror,’ followed by deportation to the West Bank or Gaza Strip.
Ahmed, recently released after serving a 23-year prison sentence, faces immediate deportation. Halasa will be deported upon completion of his 18-year term, which began in 2016.
The move has drawn sharp condemnation from legal and human rights organizations. Adala, a Haifa-based legal center specializing in Palestinian rights within Israel, condemned the decision as a ‘blatant violation of international law.’ The organization stated that the government has effectively ‘turned citizenship into a conditional privilege that can be revoked at will,’ creating a dangerous precedent that contravenes absolute prohibitions on statelessness.
Legal experts from the Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Center in Jerusalem have previously characterized such policies as potential war crimes. Saba Pipia, a legal adviser at the center, explained that deporting protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention constitutes a ‘grave breach’ of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, compelling allegiance from occupied territories’ inhabitants violates Article 45 of the Hague Regulations.
The Israeli Supreme Court has acknowledged that citizenship revocation may conflict with international law but maintained that such actions don’t violate Israel’s domestic constitutional framework. Rights organizations have criticized the 2023 law as inherently discriminatory, arguing it establishes separate legal standards based on ethnic identity.