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Putin doubles down on backing Maduro amid mounting US pressure on Venezuela

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Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro on Thursday and reassured him of Moscow’s support as the Venezuelan leader faces escalating external pressure, according to a statement from the Kremlin.

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In the call, reported by Reuters, Putin expressed support for Maduro’s government «in the face of growing external pressure,» as the United States under President Donald Trump continues to push for Maduro’s removal from office. Washington has increased military activity in the Caribbean as part of its pressure campaign.

The Kremlin said the two leaders discussed their shared interest in advancing a strategic partnership agreement and moving forward on joint projects in the economic and energy sectors. Moscow has long viewed Venezuela as a key partner in Latin America, particularly as both governments face isolation and international sanctions.

RETIRED GENERAL HAILS TRUMP’S ‘HOLISTIC’ CRACKDOWN ON VENEZUELAN DRUG TRAFFICKING AS SHOWDOWN ESCALATES

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Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro. (Maxim Shemetov/AFP/Getty Images))

The call came one day after the United States seized a massive, U.S.-sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker off the country’s coast, escalating already tense relations between Caracas and Washington.

According to Fox News Digital’s report, the Venezuelan government condemned the seizure as a violation of its sovereignty and accused Washington of hostile action against its economic interests. The Trump administration has intensified enforcement targeting Venezuela’s oil sector, which remains the backbone of Maduro’s government despite years of decline.

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TRUMP WARNS US MAY LAUNCH LAND OPERATIONS INSIDE VENEZUELA ‘VERY SOON,’ SAYS REGIME SENT ‘KILLERS’ TO AMERICA

Nicolás Maduro waves a sword during speech

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro brandishes a sword during an event at the military academy in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Ariana Cubillos/AP Photo)

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that federal agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Coast Guard, carried out the tanker operation and released unclassified video footage of the seizure. The move followed a federal warrant tied to sanctions violations.

President Trump publicly acknowledged the operation, describing the vessel as the largest tanker ever seized by the United States. Reuters reported that the action caused oil prices to rise and added new strain to U.S.–Venezuela relations.

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Russia–Venezuela ties

Russia and Venezuela have maintained a close relationship for more than two decades, a partnership that deepened during the presidency of Hugo Chávez and continued under Nicolás Maduro. According to Reuters, cooperation between the two countries has focused on defense, energy production and financial assistance.

Over the past several years, Moscow has supplied military equipment to Caracas, supported Venezuela’s state oil company through joint ventures, and extended loans and credit lines that have helped keep parts of the country’s oil sector functioning. Venezuela has taken billions of dollars in Russian loans and financing arrangements tied to Venezuela’s crude exports.

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Venezuelan troops during parade.

Soldiers with their faces painted march during a military parade to celebrate the 205th anniversary of Venezuela’s independence in Caracas, Venezuela July 5, 2016. (Carlos Jasso/Reuters)

Despite international sanctions targeting both governments, Russia has consistently treated Venezuela as a strategic partner. The U.S. Congressional Research Service reports describe the relationship as durable and largely unaffected by short-term political shifts or external pressure. Moscow has continued to offer diplomatic backing and economic cooperation even as Venezuela’s domestic crisis worsened and U.S. pressure campaigns intensified.

Fox News Digital’s Ashley Carnahan, the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to the story.

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Horror en Rio de Janeiro: un joven de 17 años organizó una cita con una exnovia y llamó a cuatro amigos para que abusaran de ella

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Un caso estremecedor sacudió a Copacabana, en la zona sur de Río de Janeiro. Una adolescente denunció que fue víctima de una violación en grupo en un departamento. La Justicia ya ordenó la detención de los acusados, pero todos permanecen prófugos.

Leé también: De la ruta secreta y los autos blindados al ataúd dorado: así fue el exclusivo funeral de “El Mencho” en México

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Cómo fue el ataque en el departamento de Copacabana

Según la investigación de la policía, la víctima fue invitada por un compañero de escuela, menor de edad y con el cual había tenido una relación previa, a la casa de un amigo la noche del 31 de enero, en la calle Ministro Viveiros de Castro.

En el ascensor, el adolescente le advirtió que habría más personas en el lugar y le sugirió que harían “algo diferente”.

La joven rechazó la propuesta. Ya en el departamento, fue llevada a una habitación y, mientras mantenía relaciones con el adolescente, otros cuatro jóvenes entraron al cuarto.

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La adolescente declaró que, tras la insistencia del menor, aceptó que los amigos permanecieran en la habitación, pero pidió que no la tocaran. Sin embargo, según su testimonio, los jóvenes se desnudaron, la besaron y la manosearon y la violaron.

Además, según consta en la denuncia, recibió golpes, cachetadas, puñetazos y una patada en el abdomen. Intentó salir del cuarto, pero se lo impidieron.

Quiénes son los acusados y cuál es su situación

La policía identificó a cuatro mayores de edad como responsables del ataque:

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  • Bruno Felipe dos Santos Allegretti, de 18 años
  • João Gabriel Xavier Bertho, de 19 años
  • Mattheus Verissimo Zoel Martins, de 19 años
  • Vitor Hugo Oliveira Simonin, de 18 años

La policía busca a cuatro jóvenes por el abuso sexual de una adolescente en Copaabana. (Foto: gentileza g1).

El adolescente que invitó a la víctima también está bajo investigación, pero su causa fue derivada a un tribunal de menores y su identidad no fue revelada.

La Justicia emitió órdenes de detención preventiva y de allanamiento para los cuatro mayores, pero ninguno fue hallado en sus domicilios y todos son considerados prófugos.

Leé también: Israel bombardeó la sede central del gobierno iraní en Teherán y escala la tensión en Medio Oriente

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Qué revelaron las cámaras y los mensajes previos

Las cámaras de seguridad del edificio registraron la llegada de los jóvenes al departamento y la entrada de la adolescente junto al menor. También quedó grabado el momento en que la víctima abandonó el lugar.

En el expediente se incorporaron mensajes de WhatsApp entre la joven y el menor, en los que él la había invitado al departamento y le había preguntado si podía llevar a una amiga. Ella respondió que iría sola. Las conversaciones muestran cómo planificó la emboscada.

El informe forense y las pruebas de violencia

El examen confirmó lesiones compatibles con violencia física: se detectaron hematomas y escoriaciones en la zona genital, sangre en las zonas íntimas y marcas en la espalda y los glúteos. Se recolectaron muestras para análisis genéticos y de ADN.

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El relato desgarrador de la madre: “Ella se sentía muy culpable”

La madre de la adolescente describió el dramático momento en que encontró a su hija tras el ataque: “Cuando la vi, lo primero que le pregunté fue si le habían dejado alguna marca. Ella levantó su vestido y, al ver las lesiones, me desesperé. Solo agarré los documentos y le dije: ‘Vamos a la comisaría’”.

La llegada y salida de los jóvenes quedó grabada. (Foto: captura de video).

La llegada y salida de los jóvenes quedó grabada. (Foto: captura de video).

La mujer también reveló el impacto emocional que sufrió la joven: “Apenas ocurrió, ella se sentía muy culpable y decía que quería morirse, por vergüenza, porque pensaba que todos la iban a señalar como abusada y como culpable. Ahora está empezando a entender que no tiene culpa, que no está sola y que ella importa. Que su ‘no’ es muy valioso y cuenta”.

Qué dijeron los acusados

El abogado de João Gabriel Xavier Bertho negó “con vehemencia” la acusación de violación. Sostuvo que ya hubo dos rechazos judiciales a pedidos de prisión preventiva y que existen mensajes donde la joven habría aceptado la presencia de otros jóvenes en el departamento.

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Además, cuestionó que Bertho no haya sido escuchado por la policía y que imágenes de la joven despidiéndose “con una sonrisa y un abrazo” no hayan sido consideradas en la investigación.

Brasil, Abuso sexual

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Texas Democratic Senate candidates sidestep Islamic terrorism concerns following deadly Austin attack

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Neither of the two frontrunners in the Texas Democratic Senate primary addressed concerns about Islamic terrorism in the wake of a deadly shooting on Sunday morning in Austin that left three dead and more than a dozen others wounded.

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Instead, just a day ahead of a competitive Senate primary, James Talarico and Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, focused on the effectiveness of prayer and delivered a warning against stereotyping immigrants.

«I believe in the power of prayer. I believe prayer changes lives. But there is something profoundly cynical in asking God to solve a problem we’re not willing to solve ourselves,» Talarico said in an interview with MS Now.

«We prayed, and God sent lawmakers with commonsense gun safety proposals like universal background checks, red flag laws,» he added.

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Rep. Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Gabriel V. Cardenas/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Crockett, for her part, warned viewers on TikTok against extrapolating conclusions about the violence to minorities and immigrants.

«Listen, every time there’s some crazy situation like this, black folks sit around and say, ‘Oh, I hope they’re not black,’ because we know that’s going to be an additional target on our backs. We know that the immigrant community was probably holding their breath and saying, ‘Oh, I hope it wasn’t an immigrant.’»  

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But Crockett and Talarico did not address any mention of Islamic terrorism or whether it might pose an additional risk to Americans in light of recent U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

SHARIA LAW VICTIM WHO FLED SOMALIA ISSUES ENDORSEMENT IN CRITICAL SENATE RACE

Their silence on the topic drew condemnation from at least one GOP observer.

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«Absolutely disgusting stuff. James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett are blaming hardworking Texans who go to church and lawfully own guns, instead of the radical Islamic terrorist who committed this heinous act,» Zach Kraft, an RNC spokesman, said.

Ndiaga Diagne, 53, opened fire at a bar scene in Austin while wearing a hoodie with the words «property of Allah» emblazoned on the front. While his specific motives remain unclear, police searching his home with a warrant later discovered an Iranian flag and photos of Islamic leaders.

AUSTIN SHOOTING SUSPECT WORE IRANIAN FLAG SHIRT DURING ATTACK, SOURCES SAY

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Diagne was shot dead by local police.

Austin shooting March 2026

Federal agents comb the scene of a potential terrorist attack shooting in Austin, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Getty Images)

The shooting comes on the heels of strikes carried out by the U.S. and Israel on Saturday that targeted Iran’s military leadership and killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a press event on Monday, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said local police had invited federal authorities to the scene to investigate the attack as a possible act of terrorism.

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JASMINE CROCKETT UNDER FIRE AFTER REPORTEDLY HAVING ARMED GUARDS REMOVE ‘WHITE GIRL’ REPORTER FROM RALLY

«We’re looking at the totality of this. We see these indicators, we’re thinking about events and what’s occurring in the country as well. The motives – all of those things, that’s what the investigation is about right now,» Davis said.

Asked how lawmakers could prevent attacks in the future, Crockett said she believes a majority of shooters in the U.S. are White.

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«If I was to give you the facts as to who the shooters have been in these mass shootings, I can guarantee you — the vast majority of them have been White, male and homegrown. But we don’t see them taking any action on that,» Crockett said.

BOEBERT JOKES ABOUT ENDORSING CROCKETT IN TEXAS’ SENATE RACE TO GIVE HER DEMOCRATIC RIVAL A BOOST

Crockett did not explain how she would use that insight as a senator to prevent shootings in the future.

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«We need to actually do something about guns. Don’t sit there and say that it’s the immigrants. Maybe it’s your lax laws when it comes to guns,» she added.

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett launches Senate bid

Rep. Jasmine Crockett speaks to reporters after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on Dec. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Talarico said the U.S. should prevent «dangerous people from entering the country.»

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«Dangerous people should not be allowed to get guns,» Talarico added, doubling down on his red-flag proposals, policies that aim to screen would-be gun buyers against stiffer background checks.

Neither Talarico’s nor Crockett’s campaign replied to a request for comment.

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Gulf states intercept hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones, issue joint condemnation with US

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Several Gulf states on Monday said they intercepted hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones over the past 24 hours as regional tensions escalated in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes against Tehran.

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Bahrain’s National Communication Center said its air defenses intercepted 70 missiles and 59 drones targeting the kingdom.

Qatar said it downed two Iranian Su-24 fighter aircraft and intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones.

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense reported intercepting nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles and 148 drones.

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An Iran-made Shahed-136 unmanned aerial vehicle is displayed at a rally in Azadi (Freedom) Square in Tehran on Feb. 11, 2026. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto/via Getty Images)

Since the start of Iran’s retaliatory attacks, the UAE said it has detected 174 ballistic missiles launched toward the country, destroying 161 while 13 fell into the sea. Officials also said 689 Iranian drones were detected, with 645 intercepted and 44 falling within the country’s territory.

On Sunday, the UAE announced it was closing its embassy in Tehran and withdrawing its ambassador and diplomatic staff in response to the strikes.

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Kuwait said its air defenses have intercepted and destroyed 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones since the attacks began, according to the state-run Kuwait News Agency.

TOMAHAWKS, B-2 STEALTH BOMBERS AND ATTACK DRONES POUND OVER 1,000 IRANIAN TARGETS IN 24-HOUR BLITZ

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy said Monday two drones were intercepted near the Ras Tanura oil refinery, with debris causing minor damage, according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

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In response to the large-scale attacks, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and the United States released a joint statement condemning Iran’s «indiscriminate and reckless» missile and drone strikes across the region.

Map of where Iran is retaliating with regional strikes

A Fox News map shows where Iran is retaliating with regional strikes. (Fox News)

The countries said the strikes endangered civilians, damaged infrastructure and violated the sovereignty of multiple states.

TRUMP SAYS US MISSION IN IRAN IS ‘AHEAD OF SCHEDULE,’ VOWS TO ‘EASILY PREVAIL’ OVER REGIME

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A damaged building with shattered windows and debris stands amid wreckage in Manama after an aerial attack.

A view of damage in Manama, Bahrain, after a kamikaze drone strike during Iran’s retaliatory attack on March 1, 2026. (Stringer/Anadolu/via Getty Images)

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«The targeting of civilians and of countries not engaged in hostilities is reckless and destabilizing behavior,» the statement reads in part. «We stand united in defense of our citizens, sovereignty, and territory, and reaffirm our right to self-defense in the face of these attacks. We remain committed to regional security and commend the effective air and missile defense cooperation that has prevented far greater loss of life and destruction.»

Jordan’s military said it intercepted 49 Iranian projectiles on Saturday, including 13 ballistic missiles, according to the Jordanian outlet Roya News.

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