US tensions rise with Venezuela and Hamas

The Pentagon has announced a 'thorough review' of allegations against US Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat and retired US Navy captain, following a video he and five other Democratic lawmakers released urging military members to refuse unlawful orders. The review was announced on the Department of War X account, which also reminded servicemembers of their obligation to obey lawful orders under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Kelly responded that the investigation was an attempt to intimidate him and other lawmakers from holding the administration accountable. The video was met with criticism from President Donald Trump, who accused the lawmakers of 'seditious behavior, punishable by death.' The Pentagon's review may result in further action against Kelly, including a recall to active duty for court-martial or administrative measures.

Six airlines have cancelled flights to Venezuela due to a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about 'heightened military activity' in the region. The FAA warned that threats could pose a risk to aircraft at all altitudes. The US has been building up its military presence in the region, with an aircraft carrier strike group and other Navy warships deployed to the area. The US has also designated a drug cartel allegedly headed by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a terrorist organization. The situation has sparked fears of military action against Maduro's government, although the US has stated that its deployments are aimed at curbing drug trafficking.

The US government has officially designated the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, as part of President Trump's campaign to combat drug trafficking into the United States. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is identified as the group's leader, but he claims the designation is part of a US bid to force him from power. The Cartel de los Soles is not a traditional Latin American drug cartel, but rather a loosely defined network of high-ranking military officers and government officials who facilitate and profit from drug trafficking and other illicit activities. The designation has been met with skepticism by some analysts, who argue that it is not a unified organization and that the term is used to describe a diffuse network of corrupt officials. The US has also launched military strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing dozens of people, which has sparked debate about the legality of the extrajudicial attacks.

The article discusses the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's intentions towards Venezuela, specifically whether he is preparing to strike or negotiate with Nicolás Maduro. The US has designated the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly headed by Maduro, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. Trump has refused to rule out the use of force, while also expressing willingness to talk to Maduro. Maduro has responded positively to the idea of talks.

Several major airlines have canceled flights to Venezuela following a US aviation safety warning, amid escalating tensions between the US and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to airlines about flying over Venezuela, citing a 'potentially hazardous situation' in the region. The move comes as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on Maduro, including designating the Venezuelan group Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. The flight disruptions have affected the UK and Europe, with several airlines canceling departures from Caracas. European governments have updated their travel guidance, warning travelers to exercise caution when traveling to Venezuela.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has uncovered a massive 7km Hamas tunnel network beneath Gaza's Rafah, described as one of the most complex underground infrastructures. The tunnel, stretching 25 meters deep, contains about 80 rooms and was used for command operations, weapons storage, and sheltering Hamas operatives. Israeli analysts say the demolition of this tunnel marks a strategic blow to Hamas and 'paves the path to its defeat.' The tunnel is believed to have been connected to the area where Lt. Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier abducted during the 2014 Gaza war, was held captive. The IDF has destroyed many Hamas tunnels and shafts throughout the Gaza Strip, with around 1,500 uncovered so far.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro danced to a remix of his own peace slogans at a student rally in Caracas amid rising tensions with the US. The event occurred as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying bombers, warships, and Marines to target drug-trafficking operations. Maduro invoked John Lennon's 'Imagine' at a previous rally, urging peace while the Trump administration reinforced its military presence near Venezuela.