States

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said Tuesday it will terminate Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals, requiring those covered by the program to leave the United States or secure another lawful status by March 17, 2026. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that the country “no longer meets the law’s requirement for Temporary Protected Status,” and continued designation would be “contrary to our national interests.” The decision affects several thousand…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Jubaland and Puntland State, along with the self-declared republic of North Western State of Somalia, have sharply rejected a federal government decision to suspend cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates, deepening a long-running power struggle over who controls ports, security, and investment policy. In separate statements, the regional authorities said Mogadishu lacks the legal authority to halt or cancel deals they described as lawfully concluded directly between regional…

Tehran — Iran warned that any U.S. attack would trigger strikes on Israel and American military sites across the region, escalating tensions as nationwide protests and an internet blackout grip the country and regional capitals brace for potential spillover. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf told lawmakers that Israel and U.S. bases would be “legitimate targets” if President Donald Trump orders military action, state media reported Sunday. Israel is on high alert for possible U.S. intervention in support of the…

Former Ghana Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Detained in U.S. Amid Corruption Allegations U.S. immigration authorities have detained Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana's former Finance Minister, who is currently wanted in his home country on corruption allegations. According to his legal team, the former official has been in the United States since January 2024 to receive treatment for prostate cancer. Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive by Ghanaian authorities shortly before being formally charged in November 2025. In December,…

U.S. suspends all aid programs to Somalia over corruption, theft of food relief MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States has suspended all ongoing aid programs benefiting the Somali people, citing systemic corruption and “unacceptable behavior” by Federal Government officials, including interference with international relief operations, U.S. officials said. The decision follows specific allegations that Somali authorities destroyed a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse funded by the U.S. and illegally seized 76 tons of food…

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro arrived at a U.S. military base in New York state after his capture by U.S. forces in Caracas, setting up an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court on drug-trafficking charges as President Donald Trump declared the United States would “run” Venezuela until a transition can be arranged. Maduro was seen flanked by FBI agents as he stepped off a U.S. government plane at a National Guard facility and was escorted across the tarmac. He was expected to be flown by helicopter to New York…

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday sidestepped a question about an alleged U.S. strike on a dock inside Venezuela but signaled openness to talks with Washington on drug trafficking, oil and migration after weeks of escalating American pressure. “Wherever they want and whenever they want,” Maduro said in a state television interview, describing potential dialogue with the United States. Pressed on whether he could confirm or deny an attack, he replied, “This could be something we talk about in a few days.” His…

Mali and Burkina Faso said they will bar entry to U.S. citizens in direct response to a new Trump administration travel ban, invoking reciprocity after Washington expanded its list of restricted countries earlier this month. In separate statements from their foreign ministries, the two West African governments said the U.S. decision had left them no choice but to mirror the measure. The White House announced on Dec. 16 that President Donald Trump was adding Mali, Burkina Faso and five other countries to a list subject to a…

Russia, China decry U.S. ‘cowboy’ tactics on Venezuela at UN Security Council; Washington defends moves UNITED NATIONS — Russia and China sharply criticized the United States for military and economic pressure on Venezuela during an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting requested by Caracas, denouncing what they called “cowboy” conduct and “intimidation” as Washington defended its actions as necessary to protect the hemisphere. Backed by Moscow and Beijing, Venezuela accused the United States of waging an unlawful campaign…

Ghana Seeks Extradition of Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta The Ghanaian government has formally transmitted an extradition request to the United States Department of Justice for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. This development marks a significant chapter in the country's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, reflecting a renewed focus on accountability in public office. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Ghana's Attorney General and Minister for Justice, announced that the request follows an intensive investigation…