Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have declared "total control" of the country following a chaotic election process, while tensions escalate in Venezuela as President Donald Trump issues warnings to Nicolás Maduro. In Hong Kong, a devastating fire has resulted in significant casualties and numerous missing persons, highlighting ongoing crises across various regions.

Guinea-Bissau Military Takes Control
On Wednesday, military officials in Guinea-Bissau announced they were suspending the electoral process and closing the country's borders three days after elections in which both presidential contenders claimed victory. The military's statement indicated the formation of a "high military command for the restoration of order," which will govern until further notice. Gunfire erupted near key government buildings during the announcement, though the source of the shots remains unclear. The nation has a history of political instability, with at least nine coups since gaining independence in 1974.

Venezuela's Maduro Responds to US Pressure
In Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro urged citizens to prepare for defense against perceived foreign aggression as Trump ramped up military presence in the Caribbean. Trump stated that Maduro could choose "the easy way … or the hard way" regarding US interventions. The US has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel, prompting military operations aimed at drug trafficking in the region. Despite the threats, Maduro maintains that the US military actions are mere bluffs, asserting his commitment to protect Venezuelan sovereignty.

US Justice Department's Legal Justifications
The US Department of Justice has clarified that Secretary Kristi Noem made the decision to continue deportation flights of Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador despite a federal court's directive to halt such actions. The Justice Department argues that the administration's actions complied with legal standards and did not violate court orders. This decision has sparked controversy as it follows Trump's previous use of the Alien Enemies Act to justify deportations.

Tragic Fire in Hong Kong
In a separate incident, a massive fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong has claimed at least 36 lives, with 279 people reported missing. The fire, classified as a five-alarm incident, broke out on Wednesday afternoon and prompted an extensive emergency response, including nearly 800 firefighters. The city's leader, John Lee, confirmed that efforts to control the fire and rescue trapped residents are ongoing. The tragedy has left many residents distraught, with eyewitness accounts detailing the chaos as flames engulfed the towers.

Wrap-up
As Guinea-Bissau grapples with military control following disputed elections, Venezuela faces escalating tensions amid US threats, and Hong Kong deals with the aftermath of a catastrophic fire, these incidents underscore the volatility and challenges present in various regions around the world. The international community watches closely as these situations develop, with implications for regional stability and humanitarian concerns.

Sources
theguardian.com
reuters.com
cnn.com
newsis.com
wallstreetjournal.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team