In a bold maritime operation on Wednesday, U.S. forces seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela’s shadow fleet, one in the North Atlantic and another in the Caribbean Sea. The Coast Guard boarded the vessels amid efforts to redirect oil sales away from the Maduro regime. Officials announced plans to handle 30 to 50 million barrels at market prices with all revenue flowing directly to Washington. This move has stirred chaos in global markets while drawing sharp rebukes from Russia and China.

This happened amid fresh rocket fire that rattled communities across southern borders late Monday. The airstrikes zeroed in on hidden weapon caches and command posts run by Hamas fighters. Palestinian health workers rushed to treat dozens of wounded people caught in the blasts. Global diplomats urged both sides to pull back before the violence spirals out of control.

Streets in the capital and other cities are quieter than usual as people stay inside, watching events unfold on television and social media. Authorities say the main international airport remains open and the National Assembly is still set to be sworn in on Monday. Venezuela’s supreme court has directed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to take over as acting president.

Following a bold military intervention that removed President Nicolás Maduro from office and transported him out of Venezuela on Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would assume temporary control of the nation and utilize its substantial petroleum resources for international trade. This decisive move represented the culmination of sustained pressure from the Trump administration against the South American nation and its authoritarian government, following months of covert preparations that constituted the most aggressive U.S. effort at forcing governmental change since the Iraq invasion two decades earlier.

This comes after Iran’s president warned of a harsh response to recent American actions. ​ Iran’s president said any answer to a potential attack on his country would be severe, in what appeared to answer a warning from President Donald Trump. He spoke as U.S. forces carried out a 30th strike on a suspected drug boat, part of a broader push against narcotics trafficking. Regional governments are watching closely as tensions rise between Washington and Tehran.

Rescue teams pulled survivors from the wreckage near a busy holiday flight path. One victim fights for life in critical condition at a nearby trauma center. Federal investigators now probe weather, mechanical issues, and air traffic control in the tragic crash.

Local officials report multiple civilian deaths and dozens of injuries after overnight missile and drone attacks on the capital. Emergency crews are working to restore power and heat to thousands of homes knocked offline. The escalation comes as Volodymyr Zelensky travels to meet President Donald Trump to discuss a possible peace deal with Russia.

Analysts say Ukrainian security services have stepped up drone and sabotage attacks this month against combat aircraft and submarines inside Russia. These operations aim to make it harder for Moscow to launch missiles at Ukrainian cities and power plants. Western officials describe the strikes as one of the few ways Ukraine can offset Russia’s larger arsenal.

Officials say the vessel is part of a so‑called “dark fleet” accused of helping Venezuela skirt U.S. sanctions by moving oil covertly. Coast Guard personnel reportedly attempted to board the ship, but it kept sailing, prompting a continuing pursuit in international waters.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said hundreds of lawyers are reviewing every page to protect victims’ identities while following the transparency law. Officials acknowledged that some photos and materials were pulled back from a public website for further review. Lawmakers from both parties are demanding regular updates, arguing the process must balance privacy rights with public accountability.