Global Tensions Rise in Syria and Venezuela

The last Kurdish forces have withdrawn from Aleppo, Syria, following a ceasefire deal mediated by international powers. The withdrawal comes after clashes between Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government, resulting in at least 12 deaths and tens of thousands displaced. The ceasefire agreement aims to ease tensions and facilitate the integration of Kurdish forces into Syria's new government, a process that has been stalled since March 2025. The US and other world powers intervened to prevent Turkey's involvement, as Turkey backs the Syrian government and views the Kurdish militia as a terrorist organization.

Kurdish fighters were evacuated from the Aleppo neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud after several days of violent clashes with Syrian government forces. The evacuation, facilitated by international mediation, brought an end to the fighting that killed at least 22 people and displaced over 140,000. The clashes began after the government and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces failed to agree on merging their forces into the national army. US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack called for a ceasefire and return to dialogue, warning that continued violence could undermine progress made since the fall of former President Bashar Assad.

The US government has urged its citizens to leave Venezuela immediately due to reports that armed paramilitaries, known as colectivos, are searching for Americans. The warning comes after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces. The state department issued a security alert stating that colectivos are setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for evidence of US citizenship or support for the opposition. Despite the Venezuelan foreign ministry's claim that the situation is calm, reporters and activists have observed rifle-carrying colectivos roaming Caracas and setting up checkpoints. Maduro's successor, Delcy Rodríguez, has called for improved relations with Washington, while Maduro himself claimed to be 'doing well' in a US jail.