Venezuela

India's state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) obtained a U.S. OFAC license to resume full operations in Venezuela, after sanctions had curtailed its activities. ONGC holds stakes in the San Cristobal and Carabobo oil projects and plans to invest $200 million to boost San Cristobal output tenfold to 50,000 barrels per day. The license could unlock over $500 million in outstanding dividends and allow ONGC to potentially take over operatorship from PDVSA. This move supports India's strategy to diversify crude sources amid the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 26, 02:30 PM UTC

The Houston Dynamo have transferred forward Exon Arzu to Venezuelan club Carabobo FC, as announced on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Arzu, a 22-year-old Honduran player, recorded three goals and one assist in 15 appearances for Houston Dynamo 2, the club's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, during the 2025 season. The Dynamo originally acquired Arzu from Real Club Deportivo Espana in his native Honduras in August 2024. The transfer represents a move from Major League Soccer's development system to the Venezuelan top flight. The news was first reported by Field Level Media and syndicated by Yardbarker Soccer.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:29 PM UTC

The death toll from twin earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to over 1,700, with more than 5,000 wounded and 15,000 left homeless, according to top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez. The U.S. military announced that La Guaira port, one of Venezuela's two main ports, is now operational after repairs and is being used by the USS Fort Lauderdale to deliver critically needed supplies. The U.S. has pledged over $300 million in aid, up from $150 million, to provide emergency medical care, food, water, shelter, and logistics through partner organizations. Washington has also deployed four urban search-and-rescue teams with over 300 first responders and nearly two dozen search dogs. The assistance comes amid warming ties between the U.S. and Venezuela after American forces captured former president Nicolas Maduro in January and the Trump administration began working with an interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:20 AM UTC

Neymar played 45 minutes in the second half of Santos' Copa Sudamericana match, elevating his team's performance to secure a wide victory. Santos had already won 1-4 in the first leg in Venezuela. Despite an early goal by Sosa for the visitors within 20 seconds, Santos prevailed. Neymar, who will miss the upcoming classic against Sao Paulo due to suspension, watched the first half from the bench and came on to resolve the match with the score at 1-1. He left behind controversy from a previous match and appeared engaged and smiling. In the round of 16, Santos will face Macará from Ecuador, where they are clear favorites despite the altitude of Ambato (over 2,500 meters). The article also lists the Santos lineup and substitutes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:26 AM UTC

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. sales of Venezuelan oil have generated over $13 billion since the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. The revenue, held in a U.S. Treasury-managed Citibank account, has been used for 'running the country,' according to Trump, who suggested future funds could go to the U.S. military. Critics note that only $386 million in disaster aid has been sent to earthquake-stricken Venezuela, with roughly $10 billion reportedly unaccounted for. Venezuelan oil output rose from 820,000 bpd in January to 1.23 million bpd by June, and exports reached 1.25 million bpd, the highest since 2019 sanctions. Gulf Coast refiners, including Phillips 66 and Valero, have increased purchases of Venezuelan crude, bypassing commodity traders to negotiate directly with PDVSA. European majors Repsol and Eni have also expanded direct liftings, while India's Reliance Industries established a direct supply chain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:00 PM UTC

President Donald Trump announced on July 28, 2026, that the United States has collected over $13 billion from the sale of Venezuelan crude oil since the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid on January 3. The US seized control of Venezuela's oil exports after the operation. Trump stated the money is used to run Venezuela, claiming the war has been 'paid for many times over.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress the oil sales are audited by KPMG, with funds held in a Citibank account. The administration initially deposited $500 million in a Qatar account before switching to a US Treasury account. State Department official Michael Kozak reported that around $3 billion had been disbursed for Venezuelan government worker salaries, oil industry supplies, and other approved uses. Democrats have pressed for more transparency on the program's oversight and spending.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:39 PM UTC

The Japan Football Association announced on July 28 that the Japanese national team will host Venezuela in the Kirin Challenge Cup on September 28 at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima Stadium, kickoff at 19:25 local time. The match will be broadcast live on Nippon Television and streamed via TVer. Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu noted that despite Venezuela failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, they showed strong competitiveness in South American qualifiers. Moriyasu has faced Venezuela twice without a win and aims to secure victory this time. Venezuela is ranked 47th in the latest FIFA rankings. Historically, Japan and Venezuela have met five times, with one win each and three draws; Japan has scored five goals and conceded eight. This match is one of four international home games for Japan after their World Cup campaign, as they prepare for the 2027 Saudi Asian Cup.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:20 PM UTC

The Korea Football Association has officially announced that the South Korean national team will play four international friendly matches in South Korea during the September-October international break. Two opponents for October have been confirmed: South Korea will face Venezuela on October 2nd, followed by Uzbekistan on October 6th. The opponents for the two September friendlies have not yet been determined. Additionally, the appointment of the next head coach for the South Korean team remains unresolved, with the Korea Football Association stating it will make a decision after more careful evaluation. The matches are part of South Korea's preparation for future competitions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 02:03 AM UTC

President Donald Trump stated on July 27, 2026, that the United States has sold over $13 billion worth of Venezuelan oil since taking control of the country's energy exports following the overthrow of former President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026. Trump made the remarks while traveling to Michigan, claiming the revenue has 'paid for that war many times over.' The Financial Times had estimated around $13 billion in revenue from the oil sales program this year. Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously disclosed that the U.S. had sold approximately 150 million barrels of Venezuelan oil since January. Democrats in Congress are demanding greater transparency from the Trump administration regarding the revenue collected, how the funds are spent, and how the program is monitored.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:25 PM UTC

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado announced on July 26, 2026, that she will not participate in U.S.-backed talks scheduled for August with the de facto government of Delcy Rodriguez. In a joint statement with Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the opposition candidate in the disputed 2024 presidential elections, Machado said the opposition would not engage in the 'design, development and operation' of the talks. The initiative, announced in mid-July by Rodriguez's interim government and former opposition lawmakers, aims at 'strengthening democracy.' Washington, which ousted former President Nicolas Maduro in a January military raid, had praised the talks as a step toward political reconciliation. Machado defended Gonzalez Urrutia's claimed victory in the 2024 elections, which Maduro won amid fraud allegations, but said she would not obstruct initiatives producing 'real progress.' Rodriguez has accused the interim government of blocking Machado's return after devastating earthquakes last month killed over 5,000 people.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:20 AM UTC

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel accused the United States of pursuing a 'genocidal policy' aimed at suffocating Cuba's economy and appropriating the island. Speaking on the 73rd anniversary of the Cuban Revolution's start, he condemned Washington's intensified sanctions and oil blockade under President Donald Trump, following the U.S. military's toppling of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026. The measures have caused a drastic decline in tourism, departure of foreign companies, and severe energy shortages leading to nationwide blackouts. The U.S. justifies its actions by citing Cuba's alliances with Russia and China and alleged human rights violations. Diaz-Canel called for national unity and touted recent free-market reforms, while vowing to resist any military invasion and rejecting changes to Cuba's political model.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 03:28 PM UTC

One month after a series of devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, families are still recovering bodies from the rubble, with the death toll exceeding 5,300 and thousands more injured. The population is denouncing a critical lack of support from authorities, as search and rescue efforts continue without heavy machinery. The tragedy has left many grieving the loss of entire families, and the slow, under-equipped recovery process has compounded the humanitarian crisis. The article, sourced from Record Portugal, highlights the ongoing desperation and the failure of official response in the aftermath of the disaster.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 12:53 PM UTC

Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations of its 'irrevocable' decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia. The government justified the move by alleging a 'geographical bias' within the court, claiming it disproportionately targets nations in the Global South, particularly Africa and Latin America. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez echoed the criticism, stating the ICC has been 'heavily politicized' against Venezuela. The withdrawal had been anticipated since December 2024, when Venezuela's National Assembly voted to repeal the Rome Statute ratification law, prior to the US removal of former President Nicolas Maduro. The ICC had been investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed by Venezuelan officials since 2017, but closed its Caracas office in January 2025 due to lack of cooperation. The announcement coincided with ICC member states voting to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan amid sexual misconduct allegations, which he denies. The Trump administration, which has sought to dismantle the ICC, praised Rodriguez's leadership and stated Venezuela is not ready for elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 03:40 PM UTC

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on July 24, 2026, that Venezuela is not yet ready to hold elections, but acknowledged significant progress under acting President Delcy Rodriguez. This follows the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces in January 2026, after he was accused of rigging the 2024 presidential election. The U.S. left the government in place without announcing plans for free elections. Last month, the ruling party and opposition met for the first time since signing a deal to hold the 2024 elections. Trump said the U.S. would closely monitor the situation when the country is ready for a vote.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:56 PM UTC

The Trump administration faces accusations of concealing U.S. military casualties from the Iran war, including three Iranian strikes in Jordan that wounded dozens. The Pentagon reduced the official death toll from 18 to 14, removing four post-ceasefire deaths, citing "temporary data disruptions." Critics allege political motives to hide the war's unpopularity. Total U.S. fatalities stand at 17 with over 400 wounded since the war began on February 28. The Pentagon denies the allegations as "baseless."

29 reports · 12 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:53 PM UTC

The U.S. Navy announced the 2026 Expeditionary Warfare Excellence Awards on July 23, 2026, recognizing top sailors and Marines from 2025. Recipients include Lt. Cmdr. Tyler Biggs, Petty Officer 1st Class Bryant Campos, Maj. Nicholas Leeds, and Master Sgt. Patrick Keeling. The awardees served with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which deployed to the Caribbean for Operation Southern Spear and participated in the January 2026 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:22 PM UTC

The World Bank estimates that twin earthquakes which struck Venezuela in June 2026 caused approximately US$19.6 billion in physical damage. The earthquakes affected more than 900 schools across nine states and 38 hospitals. Almost half of the total costs stem from damage to residential buildings. The report was published by The Business Times Singapore on July 23, 2026, citing a World Bank assessment. The significant damage to critical infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, highlights the severe impact on Venezuela's already struggling economy and public services.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:20 PM UTC

Brazilian footballer Neymar did not travel with Santos to Venezuela for a Copa Sudamericana match due to a rotation policy, instead participating in a poker tournament in Rio de Janeiro. The 34-year-old, who recently concluded Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign with a Round of 16 exit, was absent from the previous league match and opted to compete in the Brazilian Series of Poker Winter Stage. He was eliminated before the money rounds by Colombian professional Juan Sebastián Fonseca Chávez, who noted Neymar played well but could improve. Neymar's poker hobby previously sparked controversy at Paris Saint-Germain, with Kylian Mbappé criticizing his participation during a crucial season phase. Santos' head coach defended the decision, citing the need for rest and physical training ahead of a packed schedule of four matches in ten days. Neymar is expected to return for the league match against Chapecoense on Saturday.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 09:22 AM UTC

Commodity traders like Vitol and Trafigura are losing their dominant position in the Venezuelan crude market as refiners and major oil producers sign direct supply agreements with state-run PDVSA. Six months after traders reopened Venezuela's oil market, Phillips 66 and India's Reliance Industries have secured direct contracts, with Valero and Thailand's Tipco expected to follow. The traders previously held a temporary monopoly due to exclusive U.S. licenses until June 2027, moving over 100 million barrels in six months. However, PDVSA is reverting to its pre-2019 business model of direct sales to refiners, allowing it to capture higher prices by eliminating intermediary premiums. Chevron has expanded its Venezuelan exports to 293,000 bpd and secured new drilling rights. European majors Repsol and Eni are also lifting crude directly to offset receivables. Despite the shift, Venezuela faces severe shortages of oilfield services and equipment, limiting production growth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:00 AM UTC

The Trump administration is reportedly considering military strikes against JNIM, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group in Mali, according to U.S. officials speaking to The Washington Post. This would mark the eighth country targeted by U.S. military action during Trump's second term, following Yemen, Somalia, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, and Venezuela. The administration has also conducted 66 strikes against small watercraft in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing at least 221 people in a drug interdiction effort. National Security Council senior director Sebastian Gorka is a leading advocate for the Mali operation. However, regional experts like Wassim Nasr of the Soufan Center argue that military force has failed in the Sahel, noting that French and Russian interventions have worsened the situation. Nasr recommends conflict resolution through negotiations between Mali's government and JNIM instead.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:31 PM UTC

Nicolas Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan president, appeared in a New York court on July 22, 2026, for his third public hearing since being captured by U.S. military commandos in a January 3 raid on his Caracas compound. Maduro, 63, and his wife Cilia Flores are held in a Brooklyn jail facing charges including narcoterrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons possession. Prosecutors and defense lawyers proposed a June 2027 trial date. The U.S. has allowed Venezuela to fund Maduro's legal defense, previously blocked by sanctions. Maduro has pleaded not guilty and declared himself a 'prisoner of war.' Venezuela is now led by his former vice president Delcy Rodriguez, while the U.S. controls the country's oil exports.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:59 PM UTC

According to a Financial Times analysis, the Trump administration collected approximately $13 billion after seizing control of Venezuela's oil exports in January 2026, following the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro. Six months later, and one month after two devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, there is no evidence the money has benefited the Venezuelan people as promised. The State Department claims billions have been disbursed to the Venezuelan economy with financial monitoring underway, but these claims remain unproven. Venezuela's first-quarter GDP hit a five-year low. Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro accused the administration of operating without transparency, while Republican Representative María Elvira Salazar called for disclosure of transactions. Earlier reports indicated the first $500 million from oil sales was placed in an offshore Qatar bank account.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:17 PM UTC

Zdenek Chovanec, a 21-year-old motorsport driver who competed under the Portuguese flag, has died. The circumstances of his death have not been disclosed. Born in Venezuela to Czech descent, Chovanec moved to Portugal as a child and began karting at age 14. He progressed to Formula 4, Formula 3, and later touring car racing, competing in championships including the Formula 4 UAE Championship, Italian Formula 4, Asian Formula 3, Euroformula Open, and GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. He died on Saturday, January 18, at his home in Trofa, Portugal. The Portuguese Automobile and Karting Federation (FPAK) expressed condolences. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday, January 23, at the Matosinhos Crematorium, followed by cremation at Matosinhos Municipal Cemetery No. 2 – Sendim.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:00 PM UTC

Venezuela's interim government and opposition are set to begin formal negotiations on August 1, 2026, aimed at strengthening democratic institutions following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro in January. The talks, facilitated by the US, come after devastating June earthquakes that killed over 5,000 people and caused $37 billion in damage, underscoring the need for political stability to attract reconstruction investment. Opposition leader Dinorah Figuera, who returned to Venezuela with US assistance, will lead the opposition delegation, while Jorge Rodríguez represents the interim government. Key agenda items include restoring democratic legitimacy, appointing a new electoral authority and supreme court, and guaranteeing civil rights. The US views these talks as part of its three-stage plan for Venezuela: stabilization, recovery, and transition.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:43 PM UTC

Venezuela's interim government and opposition are set to begin formal negotiations on August 1, 2026, aimed at strengthening democratic institutions following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro in January. The talks, facilitated by the US, come after devastating June earthquakes that killed over 5,000 people and caused an estimated $37 billion in damage, underscoring the need for political stability to attract reconstruction investment. Opposition leader Dinorah Figuera, who returned to Venezuela with US assistance, will lead the opposition delegation, while Jorge Rodríguez represents the interim government. The agenda includes restoring democratic legitimacy, appointing a new electoral authority and supreme court, and guaranteeing civil rights. The Trump administration views the talks as part of its three-stage plan for Venezuela—stabilization, recovery, and transition—and sees an opportunity to lock in a strategic victory.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:43 PM UTC

Venezuela's interim government and opposition are set to begin formal negotiations on August 1, 2026, aimed at strengthening democratic institutions following the removal of Nicolás Maduro in January. The talks, facilitated by the US State Department, will be led by Jorge Rodríguez (interim government) and Dinorah Figuera (opposition). Key agenda items include restoring democratic legitimacy, appointing a new electoral authority and supreme court, and guaranteeing civil rights. The devastating June earthquakes, which killed over 5,000 and caused $37 billion in damage, have underscored the urgency of political agreements to attract reconstruction investment. The Trump administration views the talks as part of its three-stage plan (stabilization, recovery, transition) and an opportunity to lock in a victory in Venezuela.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:43 PM UTC

This Financial Times article, published July 22, 2026, highlights several charitable initiatives and events. It features the Secret 7” auction in London (August 18-September 2), where 700 artist-designed record sleeves are sold to benefit War Child's work in Sudan, Yemen, Ukraine, and elsewhere. A Barcelona gallery, Sorondo, offers photographer prints for €150 donations to support Venezuelan earthquake relief (exhibition ends September 3). A Somerset House flower show (September 16-October 6) uses mannequins dressed in floral recreations of Princess Diana's iconic outfits, with up to 10% of ticket sales going to The Diana Award. Finally, the Bateekha Project at Gallery 1957 in London (exhibition September 15-17) features handmade watermelon sculptures to support mental health in Gaza.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:00 AM UTC

The Financial Times reports that the Trump administration has collected over $13 billion from Venezuelan oil sales in 2026 after seizing control of exports and suspending sanctions following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. However, Washington has given conflicting accounts of where the money is going, ranging from a 'custodial' role to Trump stating the US is 'making a lot of money.' Economists note a muted recovery in Venezuela, suggesting not all funds have been returned. Bipartisan US lawmakers are demanding transparency, especially after devastating earthquakes on June 24 caused an estimated $37 billion in damage. A Venezuelan government transparency website shows only one entry: a $300 million transfer in March.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:00 AM UTC

Neymar was absent from Santos' Copa Sudamericana knockout playoff first leg away match against Venezuela's Universidad Central on July 22. The Brazilian star did not travel with the team, instead using his free time to participate in the third stage of the Brazilian BSOP Poker Championship with friends. The coaching staff chose not to include him in the match and allowed him to rest. Neymar also took part in this poker competition last year and won approximately 9,300 euros in prize money. The news was reported by ESPN and shared via Hupu soccer.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:53 AM UTC

This is a transcript of the Financial Times' Unhedged podcast episode 'The forecast for prediction markets', hosted by Katie Martin and Robert Armstrong. They discuss the rise of prediction markets, which allow betting on virtually anything, including sports, politics, and financial markets. The hosts compare the recent explosion of sports betting in the US to the UK's long-standing culture. They explore the potential benefits of prediction markets for clarifying market sentiment and settling disagreements, but also highlight serious downsides, such as betting on wars and the ambiguity of event definitions (e.g., what constitutes an 'invasion'). The conversation touches on a recent dispute where bettors on a US invasion of Venezuela were not paid out due to differing interpretations of the event.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:04 PM UTC