In a significant escalation of pressure on the Venezuelan government, former US President Donald Trump has declared a comprehensive naval blockade targeting all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. The move intensifies a long-running campaign against the country's authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro.
Military Buildup and Recent Seizures
The order for what Trump termed a "total and complete" blockade follows a period of increased US military activity in the region. The Trump administration has overseen a ramped-up military presence and more than two dozen strikes on vessels in Caribbean and Pacific waters near Venezuela, resulting in dozens of casualties.
Last week, US forces seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast in the Caribbean. Reports from the New York Times suggest the vessel was carrying approximately 2 million barrels of Venezuela's heavy crude oil. The Venezuelan government condemned the action as "blatant theft" and "an act of international piracy," sharply raising diplomatic tensions.
Trump's Social Media Declaration
Announcing the blockade on social media, Trump alleged that Venezuela uses oil revenue to fund drug trafficking and other criminal activities. He vowed to continue the military escalation, stating, "Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America."
Providence Police Hunt Brown University Shooter
In a separate development, authorities in Providence are urgently seeking the public's help to identify a suspect in the Brown University shooting. The Providence Police Department has released new CCTV footage captured on the city's East Side about two hours before the attack.
Providence Police Chief Oscar L. Perez stated the video shows the individual "casing the area," a behaviour typical of criminals before committing an offence. The public is asked to study the person's posture, gait, and body language. The shooting, which occurred during final exams, left at least two people dead and nine others wounded.
Hollywood in Mourning After Reiners Found Dead
The entertainment world is reeling after the deaths of acclaimed actor and director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner. Their son, 32-year-old Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is being held without bail.
The couple was discovered with fatal stab wounds in their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Nick Reiner's defence attorney, Alan Jackson, confirmed his client had not received medical clearance and would not appear in court before Wednesday. Tributes have poured in, including from former President Barack Obama and friends like Billy Crystal and Larry David.
Other Key News Developments
Bondi Attack Charges: The alleged attacker from the Sydney Bondi incident has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. Investigators suggest the attack may have been "inspired by ISIS."
Senators Block Nominations: Two Democratic US senators plan to block pending civilian nominations in response to the Trump administration's "failure" to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
MIT Director Killed: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology community is grieving the "shocking" shooting death of Nuno FG Loureiro, director of its plasma science and fusion centre.
Shiffrin's Dominance: American skier Mikaela Shiffrin secured a record-extending 105th World Cup victory, continuing her dominant slalom season with win margins of a full second or more.
Climate Crisis Redefining Arctic Winters
Scientists report the Arctic endured a year of record heat and significantly reduced sea ice in 2023. The region is warming up to four times faster than the global average, causing a rapid shift towards rainier, less icy conditions that threaten its role as a crucial global climate regulator.
