标签: North America

北美洲

  • US urges Americans to leave Venezuela ‘immediately’ due to risks

    US urges Americans to leave Venezuela ‘immediately’ due to risks

    The United States has escalated its travel warnings for Venezuela to the most critical level, urging American citizens to evacuate the South American nation immediately. This urgent advisory comes amid deteriorating security conditions and heightened risks to U.S. nationals.

    The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issued the Level 4: Do Not Travel alert—the highest danger classification—citing multiple severe threats including wrongful detention, torture in custody, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary law enforcement, widespread crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

    According to official communications, the security situation in Venezuela remains highly volatile. Intelligence reports indicate armed militia groups, locally known as ‘colectivos,’ have established roadblocks throughout the country where they systematically search vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or perceived support for American interests.

    The timing of this heightened alert follows the recent resumption of international flights, providing evacuation opportunities that previously didn’t exist. U.S. citizens are advised to maintain extreme vigilance during road travel and closely monitor airline communications for updated flight information.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas following recent military actions. The current security landscape presents what U.S. officials characterize as an unacceptable risk environment for American citizens, necessitating immediate departure while commercial options remain available.

  • Venezuelan acting president vows to realize return of Maduro, his wife

    Venezuelan acting president vows to realize return of Maduro, his wife

    Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has issued a resolute pledge to secure the return of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were apprehended by United States forces during a controversial military operation earlier this month.

    Addressing a community gathering in Miranda state on Saturday, Rodríguez emphatically dismissed any notions of leadership uncertainty within the South American nation. “There is no uncertainty here. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolás Maduro,” she declared before assembled supporters.

    The acting leader framed the recovery effort as a national priority, vowing not to rest “for a single minute” until both Maduro and Flores are safely returned to Venezuelan territory. Rodríguez invoked symbolic significance in her remarks, noting that exactly one year prior, she had been sworn in alongside Maduro at the commencement of his third presidential term. “Today, one year later, we are swearing for his freedom,” she proclaimed.

    Rodríguez emphasized that national unity would prove decisive in what she characterized as the mission to “rescue” the captured leadership. She further reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to continuing implementation of the seven strategic action lines previously established by Maduro’s government, signaling continuity in governance despite the unprecedented circumstances.

    The crisis stems from January 3rd military strikes conducted by US forces in Caracas and three additional Venezuelan cities—an operation that resulted in the detention of both Maduro and Flores. These actions have triggered widespread international condemnation and expressions of concern from numerous nations and global organizations.

  • US launches large-scale strikes against IS targets in Syria

    US launches large-scale strikes against IS targets in Syria

    The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has executed a significant military operation against Islamic State (ISIS) targets throughout Syria. The large-scale aerial strikes, carried out on Saturday afternoon Eastern Time, represent a decisive response to recent terrorist activities against American personnel.

    According to an official statement released on social media platform X, the operation involved coordinated efforts between U.S. forces and allied partner nations. The military action forms part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, an ongoing campaign initiated on December 19th following a deadly ambush in Palmyra, Syria.

    The previous incident on December 13th involved a lone ISIS operative attacking U.S. and Syrian forces, resulting in the tragic deaths of two American soldiers and one civilian interpreter. CENTCOM emphasized that these strikes demonstrate America’s continued determination to combat Islamic terrorism, safeguard military personnel, and prevent future attacks against U.S. and coalition forces in the region.

    The command further reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of combined forces to pursue terrorist elements that threaten United States security interests, highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining pressure on extremist organizations in the Middle East.

  • Trump renews threats against Iran, saying US ‘ready to help’

    Trump renews threats against Iran, saying US ‘ready to help’

    Former U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his confrontational stance toward Iran, declaring that the United States stands prepared to assist the country amid ongoing civil unrest. Through his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump asserted that Iran is \”looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,\” accompanied by his unambiguous pledge: \”The USA stands ready to help!!!\”\n\nThis declaration follows repeated warnings from Trump and senior U.S. officials that Washington would intervene should Iranian authorities respond violently to peaceful demonstrations. Trump elaborated on Friday, stating that while U.S. involvement wouldn’t entail \”boots on the ground,\” it would involve \”hitting them very, very hard where it hurts\” if protesters faced lethal force.\n\nThe Iranian Foreign Ministry has condemned these statements as \”interventionist and deceptive,\\” characterizing them as reflective of Washington’s enduring hostility toward the Iranian people. The current wave of protests, emerging in multiple Iranian cities since late December, stems primarily from severe economic deterioration—including the sharp depreciation of the rial—and longstanding financial hardships.\n\nIranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and expressed commitment to addressing economic grievances while simultaneously cautioning against violent acts and vandalism. The escalating exchange between Trump and Iranian officials highlights renewed tensions in U.S.-Iran relations, with Trump adopting characteristically aggressive rhetoric that challenges diplomatic norms.

  • Morocco’s king requires rest for lower back pain: State news agency

    Morocco’s king requires rest for lower back pain: State news agency

    RABAT – Morocco’s monarch King Mohammed VI has been advised to undergo a period of medical rest to address lower back pain stemming from muscular tension, according to an official statement released on Saturday. The royal court’s announcement, disseminated through the state news agency and attributed to the King’s personal physician, confirmed the non-severe nature of the condition while emphasizing the necessity for therapeutic intervention. The 62-year-old sovereign’s treatment regimen will involve appropriate medical protocols coupled with functional rest to ensure a full recovery. The bulletin aimed to provide transparency regarding the monarch’s health, a subject of significant national interest, while reassuring the public of the routine medical nature of the situation. The announcement did not specify the exact duration of the rest period required for the King, who has ruled the North African nation since 1999. Palace communications regarding the health of the monarch are typically measured and factual, reflecting the institution’s stature within Moroccan society.

  • Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder, dies aged 78

    Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder, dies aged 78

    Bob Weir, the legendary guitarist and founding member of the iconic Grateful Dead, has died at age 78 following health complications. The music world mourns the loss of the psychedelic rock pioneer who passed peacefully while surrounded by family, according to an official statement posted on his Instagram account.

    The announcement revealed Weir had been battling cancer and respiratory issues, though he ultimately overcame his cancer diagnosis before his passing. Despite his health challenges, the musician demonstrated remarkable dedication to his craft, continuing to perform throughout his treatment period. These final shows were described as “emotional, soulful, and full of light” rather than farewell concerts.

    Weir’s musical journey began in 1965 when he co-founded the Grateful Dead in San Francisco. The band quickly became synonymous with the city’s counterculture movement, blending psychedelic influences with folk and Americana traditions. Their innovative approach established them as pioneers of the jam band genre and shaped the trajectory of rock music for decades.

    The Grateful Dead’s legacy includes induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2007). Although the original lineup concluded following Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995, Weir remained musically active through various projects including Dead & Company, which recently completed residencies at Las Vegas Sphere.

    Tributes flooded social media following news of his passing. The Empire State Building honored Weir by illuminating its tower in tie-dye colors, while fellow musicians including Slash (Guns N’ Roses) and Don Felder (Eagles) shared heartfelt memories and condolences. Felder recalled being “blown away” when he first witnessed Weir perform at Woodstock.

    Weir is survived by his wife Natascha and daughters Shala and Chloe, who have requested privacy while appreciating the overwhelming support from fans worldwide. His former publicist Dennis McNally reflected that music and touring constituted Weir’s life purpose, noting his “off-kilter, unusual sense of humor” and unwavering commitment to his artistic calling until the very end.

  • Trump signs order declaring national emergency to ‘safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue’: White House

    Trump signs order declaring national emergency to ‘safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue’: White House

    In a significant escalation of US policy toward Venezuela, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday declaring a national emergency to protect Venezuelan oil revenues held in United States Treasury accounts. The White House announced this unprecedented measure aims to shield these funds from legal claims and judicial processes, ensuring they serve American foreign policy objectives rather than private creditors.

    The executive order specifically blocks all forms of judicial action—including attachments, judgments, liens, executions, and garnishments—against what are termed Foreign Government Deposit Funds. These assets comprise revenues generated from Venezuelan oil and diluent sales currently held within US Treasury accounts. The order further prohibits any transfers or dealings involving these funds unless explicitly authorized, effectively overriding any previous executive orders that might have restricted or regulated them.

    According to the presidential declaration, the potential seizure of these assets through legal channels represents “an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” originating primarily from outside the country. The White House emphasized that these funds constitute sovereign property of Venezuela maintained in US custody strictly for governmental and diplomatic purposes, explicitly excluding them from private claims.

    The administration clarified that the United States government will maintain these funds “solely in a custodial and governmental capacity, and not as a market participant,” with no intention of utilizing them for commercial activities within the country. This development follows recent statements by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicating that the United States plans to not only market Venezuela’s stored oil but also indefinitely control sales of the country’s oil output, signaling a prolonged American oversight of Venezuela’s primary economic resource.

  • Expanding lanes, parking spaces: Dubai rolls out 6 road projects in January 2026

    Expanding lanes, parking spaces: Dubai rolls out 6 road projects in January 2026

    Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the successful completion of six significant road network enhancement projects during January 2026 as part of its comprehensive infrastructure development strategy. These initiatives represent the latest phase in Dubai’s ongoing commitment to improving urban mobility and addressing the city’s growing transportation needs.

    The completed projects feature substantial infrastructure upgrades across multiple districts, including the construction of new internal roads in Nad Al Sheba 1, Al Warqa 3, and Wadi Al Safa communities. In the Al Mizhar area, authorities have modernized a key roundabout and expanded parking facilities near GEMS Founders School to alleviate congestion during peak hours.

    A major achievement includes the comprehensive traffic expansion along Al Warqa’a 1 Street, covering a 7-kilometer stretch in both directions between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Ras Al Khor Road. This project involved the conversion of four traditional roundabouts into intelligent signalized intersections, resulting in a documented 30% improvement in traffic flow efficiency.

    Additional enhancements include the redevelopment of a critical roundabout in Mirdif to optimize traffic movement, lane expansion at the Oud Maitha Road and Sheikh Rashid Road intersection bridge toward Al Khail Road, and the creation of supplementary parking spaces around Dubai Heights Academy in Al Barsha South.

    The RTA has implemented these projects using rapid construction techniques and smart traffic solutions, focusing particularly on improving access routes, exits, and internal road networks. These developments align with Dubai’s broader vision of creating a seamless transportation ecosystem that supports continued urban growth and enhances quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

  • ‘I had no electricity for six months’: US families struggle with soaring energy prices

    ‘I had no electricity for six months’: US families struggle with soaring energy prices

    A deepening energy affordability crisis is gripping American households as skyrocketing utility bills force millions into severe debt and service disconnections. The plight of Kristy Hallowell, a 44-year-old New York resident, exemplifies the nationwide struggle. After losing her job, Hallowell faced an unexpected tripling of her energy bill to $1,800 monthly, resulting in complete service termination that left her family relying on generators for six months during 2025.

    Recent analysis of consumer credit data reveals nearly one in twenty U.S. households now risk having utility debt sent to collections this winter. The severity of overdue payments has intensified, with the number of severely delinquent accounts increasing by 3.8% during the first half of President Donald Trump’s second term.

    Despite campaign promises to slash energy costs by half, the Trump administration confronts a harsh reality: electricity prices surged 6.9% year-over-year in November, significantly outpacing overall inflation. The White House attributes persistent economic pressures to former President Biden’s policies and Federal Reserve interest rates, while simultaneously proposing cuts to federal assistance programs for low-income households’ energy bills.

    Multiple structural factors drive the crisis. Natural gas prices have jumped dramatically, affecting nearly half of U.S. electricity generation. Simultaneously, the artificial intelligence boom has created unprecedented demand from energy-intensive data centers, particularly in states like Virginia. Experts warn that the administration’s rollback of clean energy initiatives—including paused offshore wind projects—further exacerbates price pressures by increasing dependence on foreign oil.

    Laurie Wheelock of New York’s Public Utility Law Project reports utility debts have ballooned from pre-pandemic averages of $400-$900 to frequently exceeding $6,000. Winter heating costs are projected to jump 9.2% this season, compounding financial distress across all regions from California to Georgia.

    While some states like Virginia are implementing tiered rate systems to shield residential customers from data center energy demands, federal solutions remain contentious. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent maintains electricity pricing is a ‘state problem,’ while analysts argue national clean energy investment could provide relief. For millions of Americans like Hallowell, who still faces $3,000 in utility debt despite partial service restoration, the crisis shows no signs of abating.

  • US military strikes Islamic State group targets in Syria, officials say

    US military strikes Islamic State group targets in Syria, officials say

    In a significant military escalation, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the execution of large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets across Syria. The operation, authorized directly by President Donald Trump, represents a forceful response to the December 13th ambush in Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

    Dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, the mission involved a formidable coalition of air assets. An official speaking to CBS News detailed that over 20 aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130J gunships, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and Jordanian F-16 fighter jets, delivered more than 90 precision-guided munitions against in excess of 35 confirmed ISIS targets.

    The strategic objective, as stated by CENTCOM, is twofold: to degrade terrorist capabilities and to ensure the security of US and partner forces operating within the region. The command issued a stark warning on social media platform X: ‘Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice.’

    This recent action is part of a sustained campaign. Prior to Saturday’s strikes, CENTCOM reported that nearly 25 ISIS operatives had been killed or captured in 11 separate missions conducted between December 20th and 29th. The operation commenced with a massive joint US-Jordanian assault on December 19th, which employed over 100 precision munitions against more than 70 targets.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the operation not as the start of a new war but as a ‘declaration of vengeance,’ affirming the administration’s unwavering commitment to defending American personnel. The exact location of the latest strikes and assessments regarding enemy casualties remain undisclosed at this time.

    The ongoing operations occur against a complex geopolitical backdrop. Syria remains in a fragile state following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, which concluded a devastating 13-year civil war. The country is now under the control of rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Jolani). Although significantly weakened, ISIS persists as an active insurgent threat, primarily conducting attacks against Kurdish-led forces in the nation’s northeast.