U.S. imposes Venezuela-related sanctions on two companies, two tankers
The United States has imposed sanctions on two shipping companies and two tankers involved in trade with Venezuela, the U.S. Treasury Department said on Friday.
Venezuela reopens borders with Brazil and Aruba, official says
Venezuela is reopening its borders with Brazil and the Caribbean island of Aruba, Venezuela’s Economy Vice President Tareck El Aissami said on Friday, though Aruba’s government said it did not consider a re-opening “opportune.”
Argentina mafia members arrested after Congress shooting
Argentine authorities have arrested members of mafia gang after a rare gun attack outside Congress in Buenos Aires left one official dead and a senior lawmaker fighting for his life.
Turkish artists stand by Istanbul’s ousted mayor
Dozens of Turkey’s most prominent artists have taken to social media to support Istanbul’s ousted mayor, responding to his call for them to speak out against a decision to annul his election victory over President Tayyip Erdogan’s party.
French forces weren’t aware of U.S, Korean hostages ahead of Burkina operation
French special forces who rescued four people, including two French citizens, being held by militants in Burkina Faso on Friday had not been aware of the presence of the American and South Korean hostages, France’s Armed Forces Minister said.
Morocco claims success in reducing illegal migration to Spain
Moroccan authorities have succeeded in slowing the rate of illegal migration into Spain in recent months after a crackdown on smuggling networks, Morocco’s migration and border control chief said on Friday, unveiling new figures to Reuters.
Tens of thousands march to demand change in Algeria
Tens of thousands of protesters demanding the removal of Algeria’s ruling elite gathered in the capital Algiers for a 12th successive Friday, defying attempts by the army to ease tensions ahead of presidential election.
South Africa’s ANC headed for election victory but support ebbs
The African National Congress was headed for victory in South Africa’s election on Friday, although the party was on course for its worst performance since it took power 25 years ago.
U.S. warns merchant ships of possible Iranian attacks in Middle East
U.S. commercial ships including oil tankers sailing through key Middle East waterways could be targeted by Iran in one of the threats to U.S. interests posed by Tehran, the U.S. Maritime Administration said in an advisory.
French military frees hostages in Burkina Faso, two commandos killed
French commandos rescued four foreign hostages including two French citizens from a militant group in Burkina Faso, France’s military said on Friday, adding that two of the elite soldiers were killed in the night-time operation.
