Eleven Nigerian military personnel are being detained in Burkina Faso following an unauthorized emergency landing of a Nigerian C-130 transport aircraft, while tensions escalate in Venezuela as U.S. military options are considered against drug trafficking. Meanwhile, María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, is set to make a delayed public appearance in Oslo, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil in her country.

Nigerian Military Detained in Burkina Faso
On Monday, a Nigerian military aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, prompting the detention of its eleven crew members. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, condemned the incident, labeling it an “unfriendly act” and a violation of international law. The Nigerian Air Force stated that the aircraft was en route to Portugal for a ferry mission but required a precautionary landing due to technical issues. Nigerian authorities indicated that the crew is safe and being treated well by Burkinabé authorities. The incident comes on the heels of Nigeria's involvement in thwarting a coup attempt in Benin, showcasing the volatile political landscape in West Africa.

U.S. Military Options Against Venezuela
In the United States, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are scheduled to brief key lawmakers regarding national security actions related to Venezuela. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of deploying troops to Venezuela, stating he would not rule out military intervention against suspected drug traffickers. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, including warships and aircraft carrier groups, amid ongoing operations against drug trafficking in the region. Trump's administration faces scrutiny over its military actions, particularly following a controversial strike that resulted in civilian casualties.

María Corina Machado's Delayed Appearance in Oslo
María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, is expected to hold a press conference in Oslo, which was postponed but is anticipated to occur later in the day. This marks her first public appearance in nearly a year, following her last public demonstration against President Nicolás Maduro. Machado was awarded the Nobel Prize for her efforts to combat authoritarianism in Venezuela, and her family has traveled to Norway for the ceremony. Reports suggest that she may have received assistance from the U.S. to leave Venezuela, highlighting the international dimension of her struggle against the Maduro regime.

Wrap-up
The situation in West Africa and Venezuela remains tense as military actions and political maneuvers unfold. The detention of Nigerian military personnel in Burkina Faso reflects the fragile security dynamics in the Sahel region, while the U.S. government's consideration of military options in Venezuela illustrates the escalating conflict over drug trafficking and political power. Meanwhile, Machado's anticipated appearance in Oslo symbolizes the ongoing fight for democracy in Venezuela amid a backdrop of repression.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team