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US Strikes Narco Vessel in Eastern Pacific, Killing Two Amid Controversial Campaign
americas
4.16 min1 day ago

US Strikes Narco Vessel in Eastern Pacific, Killing Two Amid Controversial Campaign

The US Southern Command says it conducted a lethal strike on a low-profile vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing two men it labels narco-traffickers as part of a year-long campaign against drug trafficking at sea. The operation, which critics say lacks publicly verifiable evidence of drug involvement, follows a broader pattern of similar strikes that have destroyed boats and resulted in dozens of casualties and ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. International bodies and humanitarian groups have questioned the legality and effectiveness of the campaign, while oversight reviews and victim-family investigations continue.

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Capital One links Trump Organization account closures to anti-money-laundering review
americas23 days ago

Capital One links Trump Organization account closures to anti-money-laundering review

Capital One says it closed more than 300 Trump Organization accounts in 2021 after an anti-money-laundering review, a disclosure tying AML concerns to the Trump business for the first time. The bank argues the closures followed months of AML analysis in line with policy and regulatory guidance and is seeking to dismiss a Florida lawsuit alleging debanking for political reasons, noting the case has faced dismissals and amendments while the broader policy environment around banks remains charged.

Foot bite at Jones Beach triggers shark-safety response
americas1 month ago

Foot bite at Jones Beach triggers shark-safety response

A swimmer at Jones Beach State Park in New York was bitten on the foot in a suspected shark attack, with lifeguards responding and the victim taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The beach was briefly closed during an hour-long shark search before swimming was allowed again with restrictions to waist-deep water. Officials reported other shark sightings nearby at Rockaway Beach and Point Lookout on Long Island amid record heat; drones are increasingly used to monitor sharks. Shark bites are rare, with about 60–80 unprovoked bites worldwide each year.

Trump unveils interim Air Force One: a Qatar-gifted 747 with a luxury interior
americas2 months ago

Trump unveils interim Air Force One: a Qatar-gifted 747 with a luxury interior

Trump unveiled a former Qatari-owned Boeing 747 converted into a temporary Air Force One, featuring a luxury interior and bold color scheme, to serve until Boeing VC-25Bs arrive in 2028; the jet will be used for upcoming missions including a NATO summit in Ankara, while the older VC-25As remain in service and questions about accepting the foreign gift have been raised.

Keiko Fujimori bets on stability in a fourth bid for Peru’s presidency
americas2 months ago

Keiko Fujimori bets on stability in a fourth bid for Peru’s presidency

Keiko Fujimori—who was Peru’s first lady at 19 during her father Alberto Fujimori’s presidency—is running for a fourth time in a runoff against leftist Roberto Sánchez, with some polls showing her ahead by a slim margin. The race comes amid Peru’s decade-long political volatility (eight presidents in ten years) and lingering scrutiny of Fujimori’s Fuerza Popular, including past corruption investigations now declared null in 2025. Proponents argue she offers a calmer, pro‑market agenda aimed at restoring investor confidence, while critics link her to her family’s contentious legacy as Peru strives for stability.

Colombia’s runoff showdown could redefine its alliance with the US
americas2 months ago

Colombia’s runoff showdown could redefine its alliance with the US

Colombia will decide its presidency in a June 21 runoff after Abelardo de la Espriella led the first round with 43.74% and Iván Cepeda trailed with 40.90%, with Paloma Valencia at 6.92%. The race pits a right‑wing, security‑focused platform seeking closer ties with the United States (and Israel) against Cepeda’s leftist, Petro‑era agenda emphasizing social reforms and diplomacy. The outcome could redefine domestic policy and Colombia’s foreign stance, including drug interdiction and regional diplomacy, regardless of which candidate wins the presidency.