Global Protests and Military Strikes Escalate Tensions

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has stated that a boat recently bombed by the US in the Caribbean was Colombian with Colombian citizens on board, contradicting the US claim that it was targeting 'narco-traffickers'. The US has conducted at least four strikes in the region, killing 21 people, and has faced criticism for lacking evidence and potentially breaching international law. The White House has called Petro's statement 'baseless and reprehensible', while Petro has called for a meeting of Caribbean foreign ministers to discuss the strikes.

Protests led by Gen Z continue in Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, despite President Andry Rajoelina's offer to address their concerns. The protesters, known as Gen Z Mada, have rejected Rajoelina's offer to attend talks and are demanding his resignation. The demonstrations began two weeks ago over power and water shortages, but have escalated into broader dissatisfaction over corruption, unemployment, and the cost-of-living crisis. Security forces have used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protesters, resulting in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries. Rajoelina has promised to step down in a year if he hasn't addressed the protesters' concerns, but Gen Z Mada has vowed to continue their struggle.

The Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, alleged that a boat bombed by the US military in the Caribbean last week was Colombian and carried Colombian citizens. The White House called this claim 'baseless and reprehensible.' The US has been conducting strikes against alleged drug boats since last month, sparking controversy over legal authority and cooperation with Colombia. The Trump administration views these strikes as necessary to combat drug trafficking, while critics argue that the administration lacks legal approval and has not provided sufficient evidence. Tensions between the US and Colombia have risen due to policy differences, including Petro's encouragement of US military personnel to 'disobey' Trump's orders, leading to the revocation of his visa.

The US Senate voted down a resolution aimed at blocking President Trump's authorization to conduct military strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats off the coast of Venezuela. The resolution, led by Senators Adam Schiff and Tim Kaine, was opposed by Republicans, with some exceptions, and failed to pass with a 48-51 vote. The Trump administration has conducted four strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats since September 2, killing at least 21 people. Democrats argue that the strikes are unconstitutional and risk escalating into a full-blown conflict with Venezuela. Republicans, on the other hand, claim that the strikes are justified as self-defense against drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations.