The U.S. military on Tuesday, conducted a precision strike in the southern Caribbean against a vessel that had departed from Venezuela and was allegedly operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, a transnational criminal organization designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government.

President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, stating that 11 individuals, whom he referred to as "narcoterrorists" or "terrorists," were killed in the strike while the boat was transporting illegal narcotics in international waters. The strike was described as a "kinetic" operation carried out in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility.

The U.S. military confirmed a "precision strike" against the vessel. Trump shared a 29-second video clip on Truth Social showing a small, multi-engine speedboat traveling at sea before a bright flash and flames engulfed it. The video is largely in black and white, and Venezuela's Communications Minister Freddy Ñáñez falsely suggested it was artificially generated.

No U.S. military personnel were injured in the operation Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the "lethal strike" on X stating it targeted a drug vessel operated by a designated narco-terrorist organization.

The Tren de Aragua gang originated over a decade ago within the notoriously violent prison system of Venezuela's Aragua state. It has since expanded its operations across Latin America, including to Chile, Colombia, and the United States, where it is involved in drug smuggling, kidnapping, extortion, sex trafficking, and acts of extreme violence such as beheadings.

The Biden administration designated it a transnational crime organization in 2024. President Trump, upon returning to office, escalated the designation, formally declaring Tren de Aragua a "Foreign Terrorist Organization" in February 2025, a move that is unusual for a criminal gang.

The strike on the vessel occurred amid a significant U.S. military deployment in the southern Caribbean. In recent weeks, the U.S. has sent at least seven warships, including the nuclear-powered submarine USS Virginia, and over 4,500 Marines and sailors to the region.

This build-up, which includes Aegis guided-missile destroyers like the USS Gravely and USS Jason Dunham, is part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to combat drug trafficking from Latin America. The administration has also increased surveillance flights with P-8 spy planes over international waters.

The deployment has been met with strong condemnation from Venezuela, with President Nicolás Maduro calling it an "extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat" and vowing to "declare a republic in arms" if attacked. Maduro has ordered troops to the border with Colombia and urged civilians to join militias in response.

The strike represents a dramatic escalation in the U.S. approach to drug cartels, signaling a willingness to use military force in the Americas.

The U.S. has also offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest on drug-trafficking charges. Despite the military action, the administration has not signaled plans for a land invasion of Venezuela.

Comedy writer Graham Linehan was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Monday, upon his arrival from Arizona, U.S., by five armed police officers on ridiculous suspicion of 'inciting violence' related to three posts he made on X in April 2025.

The posts that prompted his detention included one from April 20 stating: "If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls."

Another post from April 19 showed an image of a trans rally with the caption: "A photo you can smell."

He subsequently wrote: "I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. Fuck em."

The 57-year-old was taken to a police station, questioned about the posts, and subsequently hospitalized due to a severe spike in blood pressure, which he described as "stroke territory," before being released on bail with a condition prohibiting him from posting on X until a further interview in October.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest and stated that officers became concerned for his health, resulting in the hospital visit, but claimed his condition was neither life-threatening nor life-changing. The arrest was carried out by armed officers from the MPS Aviation Unit.

Linehan described being met by five armed officers immediately after disembarking from his American Airlines flight, escorted to a private area, and informed of his arrest. He was placed in a cell and questioned about the tweets, during which his blood pressure reportedly reached over 200, leading to his transfer to the emergency department at a hospital for observation.

The arrest comes days before Linehan is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 4, 2025, facing two charges: one of harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks on social media and another of damaging her mobile phone during an October incident. He has denied these charges.

Linehan, is the Irish comedy writer best known for creating the sitcoms Father Ted, The IT Crowd, and Black Books. He has become a prominent and outspoken critic of transgender rights movements since around 2018.

The comedian's arrest has sparked significant political and public reaction, with UK opposition politicians, including Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick and Labour backbencher Jonathan Hinder, criticizing the use of five armed officers for an arrest over social media posts, calling it a "ridiculous" waste of police time. Author JK Rowling also condemned the arrest, calling it "totalitarianism" and "deplorable."

Critics on social media slammed UK government for descending into tyranny, especially since the enactment of Britain's controversial Online Safety Act.

Burkina Faso's transitional parliament has unanimously passed a bill banning homosexual acts, a move that marks a significant shift in the country's stance on LGBTQ+ degeneracy. The legislation is now awaiting the signature of military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who came to power in 2022.

The legislation criminalizes "homosexual practices," with penalties including a prison sentence of two to five years and fines foreign nationals convicted of such acts face deportation, especially for repeat offenses.

This passage of the legislation aligns with a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ relationships across the Sahel region. Neighboring Mali, also adopted similar legislation the previous year.

Unlike many former British colonies in Africa, Burkina Faso did not inherit anti-homosexuality laws after gaining independence from France in 1960. It was previously one of only 22 out of 54 African countries where same-sex relations were not criminalized. The draft of the amended family code was adopted by the cabinet over a year ago.

The legislation has been framed by Burkina Faso officials as a measure to uphold "marriage and family values." However it has sparked left-wing backlash, echoing their criticisms against countries like Uganda and Nigeria, where tough anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been enacted.

Conservatives across the globe praised the legislation as another step towards defeating left-wing globalists who promote LGBTQ degeneracy.