United News of Bangladesh

The U.S. military carried out another strike Monday against a vessel it said was involved in drug-smuggling operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing one person, according to U.S. Southern Command. In a social media post, Southern Command said intelligence indicated the “low-profile vessel” was traveling along known narcotics trafficking routes and engaged in illegal operations. The command provided no evidence confirming drug smuggling. A video released shows the boat’s rear catching fire after a salvo, with the vessel later drifting while burning. Previous strike videos have depicted sudden explosions, suggesting missile attacks. The Trump administration has framed the strikes as efforts to curb the flow of drugs into the United States and increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Since early September, at least 105 people have been killed in 29 known strikes. The operations have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and human rights groups, who argue the administration has offered little proof that targeted vessels were smuggling drugs, raising concerns of extrajudicial killings. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard has intensified operations to intercept oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea as part of the administration’s broader campaign against Maduro. The strikes, conducted in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, highlight the continued militarized approach to combating drug trafficking and exerting pressure on Venezuela.

A light aircraft operated by the Mexican Navy crashed near Galveston, Texas, on Monday while transporting a child for medical care, killing at least five people and prompting a search in nearby coastal waters, authorities said. The plane was carrying eight people in total—four Mexican Navy officers and four civilians, including a child—according to Mexico’s Navy. U.S. officials did not immediately specify which passengers were among the confirmed fatalities. Two of those on board were affiliated with the Michou and Mau Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps Mexican children suffering from severe burns. The crash occurred Monday afternoon near the base of a causeway close to Galveston, roughly 50 miles southeast of Houston. Officials said the cause of the incident has not yet been determined. In a statement, Mexico’s Navy said the aircraft was conducting a medical mission when it was involved in an accident. The Navy said it would investigate the incident and is cooperating with U.S. authorities in search-and-rescue efforts. Teams from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board responded to the scene, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. An NTSB spokesperson confirmed the agency is aware of the crash and is collecting information. The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said multiple units—including dive teams, patrol officers, drones, and crime scene investigators—were deployed. Authorities asked the public to stay clear of the area so emergency crews could operate safely. Officials have not confirmed whether weather played a role, though the region has experienced fog in recent days. A National Weather Service meteorologist said visibility dropped to about half a mile around the time of the crash.

President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday as the United States increased pressure on Caracas, with the Coast Guard stepping up efforts to intercept oil tankers in the Caribbean. Flanked by senior national security officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump indicated he is prepared to further ramp up a campaign against Maduro that began four months ago. While initially framed as an effort to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela, the strategy has since broadened in scope. “If he decides to push back or act tough, that would be the last time,” Trump said during a pause in his Florida vacation, where he also announced plans for the Navy to construct a new large warship. Trump’s remarks came as the Coast Guard continued pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker for a second straight day. U.S. officials say the vessel is part of a Venezuelan “shadow fleet” used to bypass sanctions, operating under a false flag and subject to a U.S. seizure order. “It’s on the move, and we’ll eventually take it,” Trump said. This marks the third tanker targeted by U.S. authorities. On Saturday, the Coast Guard seized the Panama-flagged Centuries, which officials also linked to Venezuela’s covert oil transport network. Earlier this month, another sanctioned tanker, Skipper, was intercepted with Navy assistance. Following the first seizure, Trump declared that the U.S. would effectively impose a “blockade” on Venezuela and reiterated his view that Maduro’s grip on power is weakening. Last week, he also demanded the return of assets previously taken from U.S. oil companies, again citing the tanker blockade as justification. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the tanker interceptions are meant to send a global message that the Maduro government’s actions will not be tolerated and that Washington intends to protect its interests. Russian diplomatic families leave Venezuela At the same time, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has begun removing diplomats’ families from Venezuela, according to a European intelligence official who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter. The evacuations reportedly began Friday and include women and children, with Russian officials reportedly viewing the situation in Venezuela as increasingly serious. Russia denied evacuating its embassy but did not directly address questions about diplomats’ families. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil said he spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who voiced Moscow’s support for Caracas against the U.S. campaign targeting oil tankers. Gil accused Washington of violating international law through what he described as attacks on vessels and acts of “piracy” in the Caribbean. Everyday life near Venezuela’s refineries Despite the tension at sea, a tanker believed to be part of the shadow fleet was seen moving between Venezuelan refineries over the weekend, including one near El Palito, west of Caracas. The vessel remained docked as families gathered at nearby beaches, enjoying music and the school holiday break. Longtime local resident Manuel Salazar said the scene contrasts sharply with earlier years, when Venezuela’s oil industry was stronger and multiple tankers lined the bay. “Back then, you’d see nine or ten ships waiting. Now there’s just one,” Salazar said, noting rising prices and worsening economic conditions. Transparency watchdog group Transparencia Venezuela has identified the El Palito tanker as part of the shadow fleet. Residents also recalled past New Year’s celebrations, when tankers sounded horns and fireworks lit the sky—traditions that have faded with the country’s economic decline. On Monday, Venezuela’s pro-government National Assembly gave preliminary approval to legislation that would criminalize activities linked to tanker seizures. The bill would impose heavy fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years for those accused of supporting or participating in what the government calls acts of piracy or illegal blockades. Meanwhile, under Trump’s direction, the Defense Department continues operations against small vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that U.S. officials say are involved in drug trafficking. Since early September, at least 104 people have died in 28 such strikes, prompting criticism from lawmakers and human rights groups who question the evidence behind the operations and warn of possible extrajudicial killings.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said early versions of U.S.-backed peace proposals with Russia align closely with Ukraine’s key demands, describing the talks as “quite solid” so far. Speaking in Kyiv, he noted that while progress has been made, neither side is likely to achieve all of its objectives in a settlement after nearly four years of war. Zelenskyy said discussions with U.S. officials suggest significant movement toward compromise, though difficult issues remain for both Ukraine and Russia. He added that about 90% of Ukraine’s priorities have been reflected in the draft agreements. The proposed deal is based on a 20-point plan, alongside a broader framework on security guarantees involving Ukraine, European partners, and the United States, plus a separate U.S.-Ukraine bilateral security document. Key elements include maintaining Ukraine’s army at roughly 800,000 troops in peacetime, advancing toward EU membership, and deploying European forces—led by France and the UK with U.S. support—to help secure Ukraine’s air, land, and sea defenses. Some countries would provide military presence, while others would contribute in areas such as energy security, financing, and civil protection, Zelenskyy said. Kyiv wants the bilateral security agreement with Washington reviewed by the U.S. Congress, with certain details kept confidential. Meanwhile, U.S. negotiators are holding talks with Russian representatives, and Washington has asked that details remain undisclosed. Former President Donald Trump, who has pushed for a peace deal for months, said the discussions are ongoing and reiterated his desire to see the fighting end. On the battlefield, Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s defensive positions are holding despite intensified Russian attacks, which he said have also led to higher Russian losses. Ukrainian forces reportedly carried out strikes deep inside Russia, targeting oil facilities, military assets, and infrastructure as part of efforts to disrupt Russia’s war operations and challenge Moscow’s claim of negotiating from a position of strength. Ukraine’s military also reported attacks on ammunition depots, drone launch sites, and Russian naval assets, while Ukrainian partisans allegedly sabotaged Russian fighter jets at an air base in western Russia. Russia, for its part, said it intercepted dozens of Ukrainian drones overnight. At the same time, Russian forces continued strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure across several regions, part of an ongoing campaign to weaken civilian life during winter. Ukrainian officials said most incoming drones were intercepted, but damage to the power grid was reported in multiple areas.  

Two US lawmakers have warned of possible legal action against Attorney General Pam Bondi after the Justice Department released only part of the government files related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, missing a legal deadline for full disclosure. The release of the long-anticipated documents drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who said large portions were redacted or withheld despite a law requiring full publication. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie said he may seek contempt proceedings against Bondi, accusing the Justice Department of failing to follow both the spirit and the letter of the law. He said such action could be taken directly by the House of Representatives without going through the courts. At the same time, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to introduce a resolution to pressure the Justice Department and hold it accountable for not releasing the files in full. He urged bipartisan support, noting that the disclosure law was passed with backing from both parties. The law compelling the release of the Epstein files was signed by US President Donald Trump in November, following pressure from lawmakers and supporters. Friday marked the deadline for the full release. The Justice Department has said it is complying with its legal obligations and that more material will be released in the coming weeks. Bondi has said the administration is committed to transparency. Massie, along with Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, said they are drafting a bipartisan effort that could impose daily fines until the remaining documents are released. Justice Department officials have defended the delay, citing the large volume of documents and the need to protect sensitive information related to victims. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said many files contain victim details and releasing them in stages still meets legal requirements. Some Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Tim Kaine, said contempt or impeachment moves may be premature, suggesting Congress has other tools to ensure compliance.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump has triggered fresh tensions with Denmark after appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, with Landry saying he will serve to help make the Arctic island part of the United States. Trump announced the appointment on Sunday, reviving his long-standing interest in Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. In a post on X, Landry said it was an honour to serve in a voluntary role to make Greenland part of the US. The move drew sharp reactions from Denmark and Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Copenhagen would summon the US ambassador for an explanation, warning that Denmark cannot accept actions that undermine its territorial integrity. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island decides its own future and stressed that Greenland belongs to its people. He added that while Greenland is open to cooperation with the US and others, this must be based on mutual respect. Trump has repeatedly pointed to Greenland’s strategic location and mineral wealth and has not ruled out using force to gain control, a position that has alarmed Denmark, a Nato ally. Greenland has extensive self-rule, though defence and foreign policy remain under Danish authority. Opinion polls show strong opposition among Greenlanders to joining the US. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Trump said Landry understands how important Greenland is to US national security and will advance American interests. Envoys are informal appointments and do not require approval from the host country. Landry, a former congressman, attorney general and military veteran, has previously expressed support for Greenland joining the US. He said his envoy role would not affect his duties as Louisiana governor. The dispute comes amid growing strategic competition in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to valuable resources. The US has maintained a military presence in Greenland since World War Two and reopened its consulate in the capital Nuuk in 2020.   With inputs from BBC

A car bomb killed a Russian general on Monday, the third such killing of a senior military officer in just over a year. Investigators said Ukraine may be behind the attack. Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, died from his injuries, said Svetlana Petrenko, the spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, the nation's top criminal investigation agency. He was 56. “Investigators are pursuing numerous lines of inquiry regarding the murder. One of these is that the crime was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services,” Petrenko said. Since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine nearly four years ago, Russian authorities have blamed Kyiv for several assassinations of military officers and public figures in Russia. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for some of them. It has not yet commented on Monday’s death. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin had been immediately informed about the killing of Sarvarov, who fought in Chechnya and had taken part in Moscow's military campaign in Syria. Russia has blamed a series of other apparent assassinations on Ukraine. Just over a year ago, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of the military’s nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces, was killed by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment building. Kirillov's assistant also died. Ukraine’s security service claimed responsibility for the attack. An Uzbek man was quickly arrested and charged with killing Kirillov on behalf of the Ukrainian security service. Putin described Kirillov’s killing as a “major blunder” by Russia’s security agencies, noting they should learn from it and improve their efficiency. In April, another senior Russian military officer, Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, a deputy head of the main operational department in the General Staff, was killed by an explosive device placed in his car parked near his apartment building just outside Moscow. A suspected perpetrator was quickly arrested. Days after Moskalik's killing, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he received a report from the head of Ukraine’s foreign intelligence agency on the “liquidation” of top Russian military figures, adding that “justice inevitably comes" although he didn't mention Moskalik's name. Ukraine, which is outnumbered by Russia’s larger, better equipped military, has frequently tried to change the course of the conflict by attacking in unexpected ways. In August last year, Ukrainian forces staged a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region even as they struggled to stem Russian offensives on many parts of the front line. Moscow's troops eventually drove them out, but the incursion distracted the Russian military resources from other areas and raised Ukrainian morale. Ukraine has also launched repeated attacks on the Russian navy in the Black Sea with sea drones and missiles, forcing it to relocate its warships and limit the scale of its operations. And in June, swarms of drones launched from trucks targeted bomber bases across Russia. Ukraine said over 40 long-range bombers were damaged or destroyed, although Moscow said only several planes were struck. Meanwhile, Western officials have accused Russia of staging a campaign away from the battlefield, accusing it of orchestrating dozens of incidents of disruption and sabotage across Europe as part of an effort to sap support for Ukraine. Moscow has denied the claims.

Israel’s Cabinet has approved plans for 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, further accelerating settlement expansion that critics say undermines prospects for a future Palestinian state. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the decision raises the total number of newly approved settlements in recent years to 69, the highest on record. The latest approvals include two settlements that were evacuated during Israel’s 2005 disengagement plan. According to the anti-settlement group Peace Now, the move increases the number of West Bank settlements by nearly 50 percent under the current far-right government. There were 141 settlements in 2022, a figure that has now risen to 210. Settlements are widely regarded as illegal under international law. Smotrich’s office said the Cabinet approved the decision on Dec 11, though it had not been made public until now. The decision includes retroactive legalization of some settlement outposts and approval of construction on land from which Palestinians had previously been evacuated. The move comes as the United States is pressing Israel and Hamas to advance the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire that includes discussion of a possible pathway to a Palestinian state, an outcome settlement expansion is widely seen as obstructing. Two of the settlements legalized in the latest decision are Kadim and Ganim, which were dismantled in 2005 as part of Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Israel repealed the law barring resettlement of those areas in 2023. Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza in the 1967 war. More than 500,000 Jews now live in West Bank settlements, in addition to over 200,000 in east Jerusalem. The current government includes strong supporters of the settler movement. Settlement expansion has coincided with a surge in settler violence against Palestinians in recent months. The United Nations has reported a sharp rise in attacks, including arson, vandalism and destruction of farmland, with limited intervention by Israeli authorities. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry said two Palestinians, including a 16-year-old, were killed in clashes with Israeli forces in the northern West Bank on Saturday night. Israel’s military said the incidents involved militants attacking troops and that at least one case is under review. Israel has intensified military operations in the West Bank since the Oct 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

The United States on Sunday said its recent talks with Ukraine and European partners on ending the war with Russia were “productive and constructive,” as Washington continues diplomatic efforts to push for a negotiated peace. White House envoy Steve Witkoff said the discussions, held in Florida, focused on aligning a shared strategic approach among Ukraine, the United States and Europe. In a social media post, Witkoff said the common priority was to stop the fighting, ensure security guarantees and lay the groundwork for Ukraine’s long-term recovery and stability. He said peace must go beyond a halt in hostilities and provide a dignified and durable foundation for the future. The talks are part of President Donald Trump’s sustained push to end the nearly four-year war. However, efforts have faced obstacles as Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart, with Russian President Vladimir Putin maintaining tough demands while Russian forces continue gradual advances on the battlefield. Negotiations with Russia have also been ongoing. A Kremlin envoy said Saturday that discussions in Florida were progressing constructively and would continue. Russian media reported that envoy Kirill Dmitriev met Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, though there were no updates on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said diplomatic efforts were moving quickly, noting that Ukraine’s team in Florida had been working closely with the U.S. side. The Kremlin, however, denied that any trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States were under preparation. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman accused Russian forces of forcibly transferring around 50 civilians from the Sumy border region into Russia, demanding their immediate return. In Europe, France said it welcomed Putin’s reported openness to talks with President Emmanuel Macron, adding that renewed dialogue could be useful once prospects for a ceasefire and peace negotiations become clearer. Separately, European Union leaders agreed to provide 90 billion euros to support Ukraine’s military and economic needs over the next two years, funding the package through borrowing after failing to reach consensus on using frozen Russian assets.

A Malaysian court on Monday rejected former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s request to serve the remainder of his graft sentence under house arrest, ruling that a rare royal order he cited was not valid under constitutional requirements. The High Court said the house arrest was “not a valid order” as the king’s prerogative of mercy must follow the advice of the Pardons Board and cannot be issued independently. Najib’s lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, said the former leader was disappointed and plans to appeal the verdict. Najib, 72, is serving a six-year prison term after the Pardons Board reduced his original 12-year sentence last year. He was convicted in 2020 for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering over 42 million ringgit ($10.3 million) linked to SRC International, a former unit of the 1MDB state fund. He began his sentence in August 2022, becoming Malaysia’s first ex-leader to be jailed. The court’s decision came days before a separate ruling in another graft trial, where Najib faces charges of abusing power and laundering more than $700 million from 1MDB. Conviction in that case could add decades to his sentence. Najib denies wrongdoing, claiming financier Low Taek Jho duped him; Low remains at large. The 1MDB scandal, which investigators say involved at least $4.5 billion stolen and laundered through international accounts for luxury purchases and Hollywood films, contributed to Najib’s government losing the 2018 election after ruling Malaysia since independence. Despite his conviction, he retains influence within the United Malays National Organization, now part of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government.