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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico Survives Assassination Attempt

 

In a shocking turn of events, Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was shot multiple times and gravely wounded in an attempted assassination. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after a political event in the town of Handlova. Mr. Fico was immediately rushed to a hospital in Bratislava, the country’s capital, approximately two hours away.

The assailant reportedly fired at Mr. Fico as he emerged from a meeting, leaving him with five gunshot wounds. Authorities swiftly arrested a suspect at the scene, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear. The incident has sent shockwaves across Europe, especially considering its timing just before the upcoming elections.

Slovakia, a small country in Central Europe, has been grappling with political tensions and societal divisions. Prime Minister Fico, a prominent figure in Slovakian politics, has faced both support and criticism during his tenure. His survival in this assassination attempt will undoubtedly have significant implications for the nation’s political landscape.

As the investigation unfolds, citizens and leaders alike are left wondering about the underlying reasons behind this brazen attack. The next few hours will be critical for Mr. Fico’s recovery and for understanding the broader context of this violent act.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops. Our thoughts are with Prime Minister Robert Fico and his family during this difficult time.



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