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Pentagon Warns Venezuela After Military Jets Fly Near US Warship
- Two Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets flew near the US Navy destroyer Jason Dunham in international waters, described by the Pentagon as a “highly provocative” act.
- The Pentagon warned the Maduro regime against interfering with US counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations in the Caribbean.
- This incident followed a recent US strike on a Venezuelan boat linked to drug trafficking, which killed 11 people connected to a criminal gang.
- Venezuelan state media did not cover the flyover but highlighted President Maduro’s activation of the National Militia amid growing tensions.
- US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, called Maduro a “narco-terrorist” as military presence in the region increases.
Zelensky Ready to Leave Presidency After War, Focused on Peace and Elections
- Zelensky is ready to leave the presidency once the war with Russia is over; his main goal is to finish the war, not hold elections during conflict.
- The 2024 presidential election was suspended due to martial law after Russia’s 2022 invasion.
- Zelensky will ask parliament to hold elections if a ceasefire and security conditions allow.
- His focus remains on helping Ukraine in wartime rather than clinging to power amid ongoing conflict.
- Ukraine’s constitution allows Zelensky’s term extension under martial law until elections can be safely held.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Five Years for Libya Campaign Funds Case
- Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to five years for criminal conspiracy linked to accepting campaign funds from Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 presidential run.
- The Paris court found he allowed aides to seek financial support from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors, though it could not prove direct use of Libyan money in the campaign.
- Sarkozy was acquitted of other charges like passive corruption and illegal campaign financing due to lack of conclusive evidence.
- The case originated from 2013 allegations by Gaddafi’s son about Libya funding Sarkozy’s campaign with €50 million through intermediaries.
- Sarkozy denies wrongdoing, calling the verdict politically motivated, but the conviction marks the first for a former French president for such charges.
Ladakh Statehood Protests Turn Deadly: 4 Killed, Dozens Injured Amid Clashes and Shutdown
- Four people were killed and over 70 injured in violent clashes during protests for Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
- The unrest saw the BJP office and vehicles set ablaze, prompting a region-wide shutdown and curfew.
- Youth and activist Sonam Wangchuk have led the movement, which includes demands for greater tribal rights and autonomy.
- Police responded with teargas and baton charges; prohibitory orders now ban gatherings in Leh.
- Talks between Ladakh leaders and the Centre are scheduled for October 6, but tensions remain high.
Major Breakthrough: Man Who Aided Pahalgam Attack Terrorists Arrested
- Mohammad Kataria was arrested for helping the attackers with shelter and supplies.
- His arrest followed forensic analysis from Operation Mahadev, which had neutralized three terrorists.
- The attack, targeting Baisaran Valley, resulted in 26 deaths and 16 injuries.
- Earlier, two other locals were held for providing shelter and food to the Pakistani Lashkar terrorists.
- Investigations point to foreign funding and a wider network behind the attack.
Trump Admits Failure to End Russia-Ukraine War, Calls It His Biggest Disappointment
- President Trump admitted his personal relationship with Putin did not help end the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it his biggest disappointment.
- Trump claimed he settled seven wars but said the Russia-Ukraine war has been the most difficult and prolonged conflict.
- He recently shifted to support Ukraine fully reclaiming all its lost territory with help from NATO and the EU, calling Russia a “paper tiger” weakened by economic troubles.
- The Kremlin rejected Trump’s claims, insisting Russia will continue military operations and dismissed the idea Ukraine can regain lost land.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s new support stance, seeing it as a positive sign for future aid and Ukraine’s fight.