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Greek Tanker Struck by Missile in Black Sea, Crew Emerges Unharmed

  A Greek‑flagged tanker sailing near the Russian port of Novorossiysk was struck by a missile but remained operational, and all 24 crew members were confirmed safe.   A Greek‑owned and Greek‑flagged tanker sustained material damage after being hit by a missile while sailing approximately 14 nautical miles off the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. According to authorities, the vessel—operated by Maran Gas Maritime—was not carrying cargo at the time of the strike and continued to navigate safely following the incident.  All 24 crew members on board, including ten Greek nationals, thirteen Filipinos, and one Romanian, were reported to be in good health. The impact caused damage to the starboard side of the ship, but no assistance or towing was required. The tanker remained fully operational, and no environmental pollution was reported.  Greek officials have condemned the attack as dangerous and unacceptable, noting that the incident occurred amid height...
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Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace ‘Closed,’ Caracas Condemns Move as Colonialist Threat

 

                                            Caracas, Venezuela

Trump’s Airspace Warning Sparks Diplomatic Clash

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety.” The statement, posted on his Truth Social account, was directed at “airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers,” urging them to avoid Venezuelan skies.

The declaration comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with Trump’s administration intensifying pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The move follows recent warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which advised airlines to exercise caution in the region due to “potentially hazardous situations.”

Venezuela’s Response

The Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them a “colonialist threat” and an “illegal and unjustified aggression” against the sovereignty of its airspace. Officials in Caracas accused Washington of undermining international law and escalating hostility, particularly after the U.S. suspended migrant repatriation flights in connection with the announcement.

Regional and International Implications

Trump’s statement has raised questions about enforcement, as U.S. officials reportedly expressed surprise at the sudden declaration and noted no immediate military operations were underway to impose such a closure. Analysts warn that the rhetoric could further destabilize relations in the Caribbean, where U.S. military assets have already been deployed.

For Venezuela, the announcement adds to a long list of disputes with Washington, including sanctions, accusations of drug trafficking, and challenges to Maduro’s legitimacy. For airlines and travelers, the uncertainty surrounding Venezuelan airspace may complicate regional routes and increase operational risks.

Conclusion

Trump’s pronouncement marks a new escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions, with Caracas framing the move as an attack on its sovereignty. While the practical enforcement of the “closed airspace” remains unclear, the diplomatic fallout underscores the fragile state of relations between the two nations.


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