X-Files

This account from a Venezuelan security guard loyal to Nicolás Maduro is absolutely chilling—and it explains a lot about why the tone across Latin America suddenly changed. Security Guard: On the day of the operation, we didn't hear anything coming. We were on guard, but suddenly all our radar systems shut down without any explanation. The next thing we saw were drones, a lot of drones, flying over our positions. We didn't know how to react. Interviewer: So what happened next? How was the main attack? Security Guard: After those drones appeared, some helicopters arrived, but there were very few. I think barely eight helicopters. From those helicopters, soldiers came down, but a very small number. Maybe twenty men. But those men were technologically very advanced. They didn't look like anything we've fought against before. Interviewer: And then the battle began? Security Guard: Yes, but it was a massacre. We were hundreds, but we had no chance. They were shooting with such precision and speed... it seemed like each soldier was firing 300 rounds per minute. We couldn't do anything. Interviewer: And your own weapons? Didn't they help? Security Guard: No help at all. Because it wasn't just the weapons. At one point, they launched something—I don't know how to describe it... it was like a very intense sound wave. Suddenly I felt like my head was exploding from the inside. We all started bleeding from the nose. Some were vomiting blood. We fell to the ground, unable to move. Interviewer: And your comrades? Did they manage to resist? Security Guard: No, not at all. Those twenty men, without a single casualty, killed hundreds of us. We had no way to compete with their technology, with their weapons. I swear, I've never seen anything like it. We couldn't even stand up after that sonic weapon or whatever it was. Interviewer: So do you think the rest of the region should think twice before confronting the Americans? Security Guard: Without a doubt. I'm sending a warning to anyone who thinks they can fight the United States. They have no idea what they're capable of. After what I saw, I never want to be on the other side of that again. They're not to be messed with. Interviewer: And now that Trump has said Mexico is on the list, do you think the situation will change in Latin America? Security Guard: Definitely. Everyone is already talking about this. No one wants to go through what we went through. Now everyone thinks twice. What happened here is going to change a lot of things, not just in Venezuela but throughout the region.

Born that way but not how it identifies now. Also, check out duddy Trans child of Democratic donor accused of smashing JD Vance’s windows

Disturbing news With the new year comes a new report of a deadly, puzzling infectious disease. In a January 1 case study, health officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state of Louisiana revealed that a ninth metalworker contracted a rare, often fatal case of “welder’s anthrax,” a condition only first described in 2022. The case occurred in September 2024 in an otherwise healthy 18-year-old male in Louisiana. He had no underlying health conditions or even any risk factors, such as smoking, vaping, or heavy alcohol use. But, just a week after developing a cough, the teen was admitted to an intensive care unit with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Blood tests were positive for a bacterium in the Bacillus cereus group—which includes the species that causes classic anthrax—and his doctors quickly put the finding together with his work. For six months prior to his cough, he was working as a welder’s apprentice, doing shielded metal arc welding in the shipbuilding and repair industry. Healthy 18-year-old welder nearly died of anthrax—the 9th such puzzling case - Ars Technica

Amphibious Operations: The Type 075 warship CNS Hainan returned to a southern China naval base after participating in Justice Mission 2025, a drill simulating a Taiwan blockade and port seizure. Strategic Context: Beijing claims Taiwan as its own and aims to “fight and win a war” over the island by 2027, deploying amphibious ships capable of island landings. Military Capabilities: China operates four Type 075 ships, each able to carry helicopters, amphibious vehicles, and landing craft, highlighting the PLA Navy’s growing amphibious combat strength. Satellites capture Chinese invasion ship after drills near Taiwan

A fire in southwest Berlin caused by suspected far-left extremists has left tens of thousands of households and businesses without electricity, with full restoration expected by Thursday. The Volcano Group, a far-left activist organization, claimed responsibility, citing opposition to the fossil fuel economy as their motive. Authorities have condemned the attack, highlighting its risks to human lives, especially in freezing temperatures.

Et tu Cabello? Maduro’s fall sparks suspicion of betrayal inside Venezuela’s ruling elite

Maritime Incident: The Philippine coast guard intercepted the Chinese deep-sea vessel CRV Tan Suo Er Hao about 24 miles off Cagayan, citing potential violation of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under UNCLOS. Vessel Capabilities: The 285-foot ship, operated by China’s Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, is equipped with 13 laboratories, advanced navigation, and submersibles capable of diving up to 33,000 feet, raising concerns about dual-use for scientific and military intelligence. Diplomatic Dispute: The Philippines emphasizes sovereignty and maritime law enforcement, while China claims international passage rights, highlighting ongoing tensions over the South China Sea territorial claims. US ally intercepts Chinese research ship near coast

TAIPEI/BEIJING, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Taiwan remained on high alert on Wednesday after China staged massive military drills around the island the previous day, keeping its emergency maritime response centre running as it monitored Chinese naval manoeuvres, the coast guard said. The exercises named "Justice Mission 2025" saw China fire dozens of rockets towards Taiwan and deploy a large number of warships and aircraft near the island, in a show of force that drew concern from Western allies. Taiwan stays on high alert as Chinese ships pull back after massive drills

Spanish investigators have confirmed that the Russian cargo vessel Ursa Major, which sank off the coast of Cartagena in December 2024, was carrying undeclared nuclear reactor components likely bound for North Korea. According to La Verdad, the ship was part of Russia’s shadow fleet and took an unusual route from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok through the Mediterranean. On December 22, Spanish maritime controllers noticed the vessel losing speed and listing without explanation. A distress signal followed on December 23. Spanish rescue units responded and found the ship heavily tilted. The captain claimed mechanical failure, but hull damage showed signs of an external strike consistent with a supercavitating torpedo. Russian “Ghost Ship” Sank While Smuggling Nuclear Reactor Parts Likely Bound for North Korea — UNITED24 Media

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds and laundering money into her 2021 election campaign. If convicted, she faces up to 53 years in prison and is under investigation by the House of Representatives Ethics Committee.US congresswoman charged with stealing $5m in federal disaster funds Cherfilus-McCormick claims the indictment is unjust and baseless, asserting her innocence and vowing to clear her name. US congresswoman charged with stealing $5m in federal disaster funds