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The United States has granted approval for Syria to integrate thousands of foreign takfiri militants into its new army, according to a report.

The US has granted approval for Syria to integrate thousands of foreign takfiri militants into its new army, after the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led regime expressed readiness to normalize relations with Israel.

On Monday, the British news agency Reuters quoted three Syrian military officials who indicated that, under the new administration's plan, approximately 3,500 foreign militants who fought alongside the Syrian opposition against former President Bashar al-Assad would be incorporated into a newly created unit called “the 84th division of the Syrian army”.

Asked by Reuters whether Washington had approved this move, Thomas Barrack, President Donald Trump's special envoy for Syria, replied, “I would say there is an understanding, with transparency.”

Barrack asserted that it is preferable to keep these militants, many of them “very loyal” to the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led administration in Syria, within a state project, rather than exclude them.

Washington had opposed this initiative, but its position on Syria changed radically following Trump's meeting with Abu Mohammad al-Golani, leader of the HTS regime, in Saudi Arabia in May.

During his visit to Riyadh, Trump announced the full lifting of U.S. sanctions against Syria.

According to the report, thousands of foreign takfiri militants fought against the government of former President Bashar al-Assad during the thirteen-year armed conflict.

Some of these fighters formed their own groups, while others joined established organizations such as the Daesh terrorist group.

Al-Golani has stated that these foreign militants and their families could obtain Syrian citizenship due to their role in fighting the former regime.

Abu Mohammad al-Golani, a former commander prominent in both Al-Qaeda and Daesh, is currently the de facto president of Syria.

In December, armed groups led by HTS militants announced the complete takeover of the Syrian capital and the fall of President Al-Asad's government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently revealed how the Israeli military facilitated the HTS takeover in Syria in December.

The security situation in Syria under the control of HTS - a splinter offshoot of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group - remains fragile. Incidents of sectarian violence, including the massacre of hundreds of Alawites in March, have intensified minority fears vis-à-vis the now-dominant militants.

The Venezuelan government released information for its nationals planning to visit or living in the United States, as a result of President Donald Trump's fierce campaign against the migrant community, especially those in an irregular situation.

“The U.S. is a dangerous country, where human rights do not exist for migrants. If you are thinking of traveling, cancel your plans immediately. If you already live there, consider leaving immediately,” said the Venezuelan Ministry of People's Power for Foreign Affairs.

Similarly, the Foreign Ministry of the nation headed by President Nicolás Maduro stressed that U.S. authorities have carried out arbitrary detentions and deportations.

“We recall the case of Maikelys Antonella Espinoza Bernal, torn from the arms of her family by U.S. immigration authorities, as part of their criminal policy of separating families,” it pointed out.

Venezuela also criticized that the U.S. does not follow international laws on immigration protection and human rights.

“If you plan to travel [to the US], don't do it. There is no 'American dream' there, only nightmares. Our duty is to denounce this reality and demand respect for our compatriots,” he asserted.

Previously, the US Supreme Court gave the green light to Trump's strategy to withdraw protection to 500,000 migrants.

Following the ruling of the highest court, the US government has the power, for now, to revoke the legal status that protected people from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti who entered during the Joe Biden Administration (2021-2025).

In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of Homeland Security to “terminate all categorical parole programs” that he believed were “contrary to U.S. policies” set forth in his orders.

Two months later, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the end of the CHNV program.

https://archive.ph/W15qY

Marches, music, panels, and declarations commemorating African Liberation Day organized by movements across the continent highlighted the spirit of resistance and unity.

Across the African continent, African Liberation Day (ALD) 2025 was marked by a powerful display of anti-imperialist sentiments, cultural celebrations, and political clarity. From the streets of Accra, to Johannesburg, from Dar es Salaam to Nairobi, this year’s commemorations echoed the popular desire for a truly liberated, united, and sovereign Africa.

Ghana: Solidarity with the Sahel and Burkina Faso

In Accra, the Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG), United Rastafarian Council, and members of the Burkinabé community organized a solidarity march to the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire. The protest denounced “imperialist sabotage” of Burkina Faso’s revolutionary trajectory under President Ibrahim Traoré. Côte d’Ivoire was called out for acting as a staging ground for counter-revolution in the region.

Earlier in the week, the SMG also hosted a program on Pan African Television on the significance of African Liberation Day.

In a statement issued on African Liberation Day 2025, the Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) affirmed:

“More than six decades after political independence, we recognize that Africa’s liberation remains incomplete. Neocolonialism continues to stalk the continent – manifesting in debt bondage, economic dependency, foreign military occupation, and the cultural domination of imperialism.

On this day, we extend our revolutionary solidarity to the people of Western Sahara, Palestine, and all oppressed peoples across Africa and the world who continue to endure under the jackboots of foreign domination.”

South Africa: Rhythms of culture and unity

In Johannesburg, The Forge and Jofrica Productions hosted “Rhythms of Africa: A Resonant Celebration of Culture and Unity” – a vibrant cultural event that brought together musicians, poets, dancers, and visual artists. Alongside performances and exhibitions, the event featured audience engagement activities such as Pan-African trivia games, reinforcing a shared sense of cultural pride and political consciousness.

Tanzania: Revolutionary cinema and class struggle

In Tanzania, a vibrant double-program was organized under the theme “120 Years After the Berlin Conference and the fate of working people organizations”. The events were led by the Underground Hip Hop Movement Watunza Misingi, but brought together a wide spectrum of grassroots organizations. Urban working women’s movements like UWAWAMA, the Tanzania Socialist Forum (TASOFO), Rastafarian organizations, and a dynamic collective of artists and cultural workers – including Colliers – all played key roles.

According to Muhemsi, a member of TASOFO, the commemoration had members from Congo that enriched the discussions by providing powerful historical and contemporary analysis of the Congolese struggle. Their interventions helped ground the audience in a people-centered narrative of the Congo’s plight

One part of the program featured a screening of “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, followed by collective discussions on defending revolutionary gains in the Sahel.

Kenya: The struggle for socialism against imperialism

In Nairobi, a coalition of progressive organizations convened under the theme “Revolutionary Pan-African Unity: The Battle for Socialism Against Imperialism.” The program featured film screenings, panels, and discussions on constructing a people-centered alternative to capitalism.

Speakers and organizations addressed ongoing resistance to neoliberalism, the intensifying repression in East Africa, and rising cases of enforced disappearances. Expressions of solidarity were extended to Palestine, the Sahel, and Western Sahara, reiterating the interconnected nature of global struggles against oppression.

Niger: Revolutionary education and mobilization

In Niamey, a vibrant event was held at University Abdou Moumouni, organized by the Thomas Sankara Center collectively with other organizations. The program marked a historic moment in introducing the legacy and ideological significance of African Liberation Day to students.

Opening remarks by Fatouma, a member of the center, contextualized ALD within the broader anti-colonial struggle. The event featured a stirring spoken word performance by Ridwane, whose art channeled the spirit of Thomas Sankara.

A panel moderated by Sympathique included contributions from Inemesit Richardson and Bakin Batouré Almoustapha, a trade union leader from the broader Union des Scolaires Nigériens (USN). Discussions focused on student and union roles in confronting neocolonialism and advancing revolutionary Pan-Africanism.

A continental statement of defiance and vision

The Pan-Africanism Today (PAT) Network, issued a powerful statement affirming the uncompromising pursuit of revolutionary Pan-Africanism.

“Thomas Sankara once said, ‘When the people stand up, imperialism trembles.’ For the first time in decades, imperialism is trembling,” the statement declared.

The declaration called for:

• Ending imperialist aggression

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of all imperialist forces and military bases from our territories. The revolutionary Alliance of Sahel States must be allowed to exercise full sovereignty, free from external interference. The wars in the Congo and Sudan must end immediately, and the profiteers—both local and foreign—must be held accountable. We also reiterate our demand for an immediate end to the genocide in Palestine, perpetrated by the Zionist, colonial project of Israel and its imperialist backers.”

• Supporting national and popular liberation

“We stand in unwavering solidarity with the peoples of Western Sahara and Swaziland who, like the Palestinians, Cubans, and Venezuelans, defy hybrid warfare and blockades to assert their right to self-determination. We salute their courage and pledge to amplify their voices until genuine liberation is achieved.”

• Overthrowing economic subjugation

“We reject the racist assumption that Africa’s position at the bottom rung of the global food chain is preordained. We call for the dismantling of debt-servitude mechanisms that siphon wealth from our communities and for creating just, people-centered development models that prioritize humans and nature over profits.”

The path forward

As ALD 2025 is commemorated, its message was clear: Africa’s liberation is far from complete, but the continent’s peoples are rising again with clarity and commitment. With a renewed call to struggle, to organize, and to unite for socialism.

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Video of Solidarity with Burkina Faso:

Ghana -> https://xcancel.com/african_stream/status/1927024310520074371#m

Togo -> https://xcancel.com/african_stream/status/1927045848975732986#m

Burkina Faso has launched a major agricultural campaign funded by internally generated revenues. On 22 May 2025, President Ibrahim Traoré ‍handed over more than 104 billion CFA francs (approximately $172 million) worth of agricultural equipment and inputs to farmers in Bobo-Dioulasso.

The agricultural support is part of the government’s plan to achieve food self-sufficiency and create decent jobs in the rural sector. It falls under two major initiatives: the “Offensive agropastorale et halieutique 2023–2025” and the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production.

During the ceremony, President Traoré formally handed the equipment keys to the Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Commander Ismaël Sombié.

I officially hand over the keys to all this machinery and wish you a successful farming season. Let us pray for good rains and hope you meet the goals set for this year,” he said.

The distribution included 608 tractors, 1033 motorbikes for field agents, 485 water pumps, 1102 power tillers, 17 trucks, two drilling units, four harvesters, 935 floating fish cages, 36 vehicles, 150 grinders, and 10 processing units.

There were also vast amounts of agricultural supplies; over 31,851 tonnes of pesticides, 70,000 tonnes of mineral fertilisers, 14,631 tonnes of organic manure, 15,000 tonnes of crop seeds, 1,580 tonnes of fish feed, 11,169 tonnes of livestock feed, and nearly 67 million doses of veterinary medicines.

According to Commander Sombié, more than 2,000 hectares of irrigated farmland have been developed to support this effort. The aim is to achieve structural transformation of the agriculture and livestock sectors.

The materials will enhance mechanised farming brigades across the country. These brigades will provide free services to vulnerable populations and subsidised services for others, significantly boosting national food production.

This investment in rural development is supported by the nationalisation of two major gold mines – Boungou and Wahgnion, which British-listed Endeavour Mining previously controlled. After the sale of the mines to Lilium Mining in 2023 fell through due to payment defaults, the government took control in 2024. Burkina Faso paid Endeavour $60 million for the takeover and agreed to a three per cent royalty on up to 400,000 ounces of gold from Wahgnion.

Since then, gold revenues have been redirected to national priorities such as agriculture. Over 78 billion CFA francs were reportedly allocated from this stream alone to fund the farming campaign, which now totals more than 104 billion CFA francs with further contributions from the state budget.

The first freight train from Xi'an arrived Sunday at the Aprin dry port near Tehran, marking the consolidation of the China-Iran rail corridor that promises to reshape the Eurasian trade map.

This new overland route represents much more than a logistical alternative, it is a direct challenge to the US ability to control global trade flows through strategic points such as the Strait of Malacca.

The rail corridor drastically reduces transport times between China and Iran from the 30-40 days required by the traditional sea route to just 15 days overland. This competitive advantage is particularly relevant in a context where global supply chains are looking for more efficient alternatives that are less vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions.

Since its commissioning on July 21, 2024, double-load freight trains have been running between the two countries, bringing the reality of the planned China-Iran-Europe rail corridor closer to reality.

Geostrategic impact

Aprin's CEO stressed that this inland port will not only reduce transportation costs, but will significantly reduce reliance on congested coastal shipping routes traditionally controlled by Western powers.

The initiative accelerates Chinese exports to Europe while expediting the flow of Iranian oil to China, deliberately avoiding choke points under U.S. influence.

New arteries of independence

On May 12, officials from Iran, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey met in Tehran to accelerate the development of this transcontinental rail network that will connect Asia to Europe.

The participants agreed on joint tariffs and operational standards to boost trade and regional connectivity, Tasnim News agency reported.

This multilateral coordination is evidence of the construction of an alternative trade bloc that challenges the traditional Western-dominated economic architecture.

The China-Iran railway project transcends the commercial dimension to become a tool for geopolitical reconfiguration. Both countries are building what analysts describe as “steel arteries of independence” that Washington can neither patrol nor control.

This infrastructure represents a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to create alternative trade corridors to those historically dominated by Western powers.

“The people went out to vote yesterday and there are the results, one of the greatest victories in 26 years of the Bolivarian Revolution. A new cycle of more work, of self-demand, we have achieved the path, we have the Seven Transformations Plan (T7) to advance in seven work fronts, which is already being developed, it is not that we are inventing it”, highlighted the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros.

The Venezuelan President emphasized that this new stage will be called “the Acceleration Stage of the New Epoch of Transition to Venezuelan Socialism”, which seeks to deepen the cultural, political, civilizational and economic development of the country. Likewise, he assured that the Bolivarian Government has a defined plan, the necessary resources and the support of the people to achieve a flourishing unprecedented in the history of the nation.

Likewise, he pointed out that the vote in the elections of May 25, 2025 represents a conscious expression of the Venezuelan people in favor of peace, which reaffirms the citizens' commitment with the stability and future of the country. At the same time, he highlighted the fragmentation of the opposition at the regional level, which evidenced its lack of cohesion and leadership.

On her part, the First Lady of the Republic, Cilia Flores de Maduro, celebrated the election day, declaring that “this victory is a victory for Venezuela”. She also highlighted the massive mobilization of social movements and Venezuelan women, who expressed their rejection to the attempts to generate violence in the country. He emphasized that the confidence in the institutions and in the Head of State is based on the transfer of power to the people, which allows the Communes and Communal Circuits to elect their leaders and execute projects.

Likewise, the person in charge of the Electoral Machinery and Defense of the Vote of the Ven25+ Campaign Command, Diosdado Cabello, reaffirmed that the Venezuelan people went to the polls in search of peace and tranquility, while recalling that in the elections of July 28, 2024, sectors of the extreme right revealed their true intentions to attain power by force and disregard the will of the people.

Cabello added that, thanks to information obtained from different sources, it was possible to reconstruct the panorama of the actions that the extreme right wing planned to affect the development of this Sunday's elections and stressed that the extreme right wing does not value the democratic process and has repeatedly demonstrated its inclination towards violence to undermine the Bolivarian Constitution.

Finally, the head of the Ven25+ campaign command, Jorge Rodríguez, highlighted the success of the election day. “There is no way to hide such triumph”, he stressed while revealing that citizen participation increased by one million 300 thousand votes compared to the regional elections of 2021, which shows the resounding support of the people to the Revolution.

The Jalisco Cartel - New Generation (CJNG) partnered with the Jensen family, originally from Utah, to traffic fuel oil from Mexico to the US through their oil companies, according to US prosecutors.

According to the expanded indictment, filed yesterday against both James and Maxwell Jensen, father and son, “knowingly conspired and agreed together to provide material support and resources, i.e., US money to the CJNG, which was designated as a foreign terrorist organization on February 20, 2025”.

The Jensens, according to investigations, were involved in the business since at least May 2022, and now both face five charges related to money laundering, fuel trafficking and conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization.

Authorities anticipate that, if found guilty, they could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of US$300 million, resources that they allegedly laundered and from which they benefited.

Both are scheduled to be arraigned and arraigned on these charges on May 29 in the Southern District Court of Texas in Brownsville.

The Jensen family, along with Kelly Anne, wife, and Zachary, another son, are accused of smuggling $300 million worth of Mexican crude oil through three companies that purchased the stolen oil from criminal organizations in Mexico. They were arrested in late April in Utah by FBI agents.

According to the authorities, they smuggled the crude oil to the US by falsifying the invoices of the shipment, and thus managed to launder at least $47 million dollars in favor of, it is now known, organizations such as the CJNG.

The file filed in the Southern District Court of Texas indicates that the couple trafficked at least 2,881 shipments of crude oil distributed by Mexican criminal groups between May 2022 and March 2025, carrying out large-scale operations that were kept off the radar of the authorities on both sides of the Rio Grande. Through the firms Arroyo Terminals, LLC, Big Hog Energy, LLC, and Jentran, LLC, they established fruitful business relationships with irregular Mexican suppliers linked to organized crime.

“The crude oil was purchased from companies that operated solely through the authorization of Mexican criminal organizations,” the indictment states.

Once they managed to get the crude oil into U.S. territory, the Jensen family converted the illegal oil into clean money after selling it to their industrial clients as if it came from legal sources.

The funds generated from the sale of the illegal crude oil were deposited in bank accounts at Wells Fargo and Bank of America, controlled by the Jensen companies, and then transferred to the accounts of supposed Mexican suppliers, who in reality were intermediaries for the criminal organizations.

The US government has dozens of the Jensens' properties linked to the illicit crude oil sales operations that are secured, including two bank accounts belonging to the family businesses and four marine tankers used to transport crude oil.

On April 29, Zachary and Maxwell pleaded not guilty to the charges and a tentative date of June 16 was set to begin jury selection for their trial; however, it is expected to be delayed because Maxwell has been indicted on a new charge of providing material support to the Jalisco cartel.

A leader of a criminal gang linked to the Daesh terrorist group loots the limited aid convoys entering Gaza amid a severe humanitarian crisis.

As reported by the Quds News Network news agency, Yasser Abu Shabab and his gunmen are in the area under the pretext of “securing aid,” wearing uniforms and claiming to safeguard the limited humanitarian assistance entering the besieged enclave.

The group has been intercepting humanitarian aid trucks in eastern Rafah under the protection of Israeli forces, facilitating large-scale looting and sabotage of relief efforts in Gaza, the report said.

“The gang's activities, coordinated with the Israeli military, have contributed to worsening humanitarian conditions, particularly in areas facing severe food shortages,” it stressed.

The report stressed that Abu Shabab had “established a fortified base in an Israeli-controlled area in Rafah,” routinely looting aid convoys, especially in areas such as eastern Rafah and the Karem Abu Salem border crossing.

International media, including the U.S. daily The Washington Post and the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, have also confirmed reports that Abu Shabab gangs are affiliated with Daesh and operate under the backing of Zionist forces.

Citing witnesses and internal UN memos, these newspapers note that Abu Shabab men are involved in the looting of aid convoys and were often seen near Israeli military positions, without the occupation forces intervening or preventing the theft.

“The gunmen beat the drivers and take all the food if they don't pay them [protection money],” Haaretz relates.

Meanwhile, other media outlets report the Israeli regime's systematic targeting of Palestinian police and security officers assigned to protect aid deliveries.

“While Israel allows and facilitates the looting, its propaganda blames HAMAS for stealing aid, deflecting responsibility and masking its own role in orchestrating the chaos and famine in Gaza,” they denounce.

Some 31 aid trucks passed through the main traffic circle on Salah Adin Street near Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip last Tuesday, but Abu Shabab gangs opened fire on the convoy, attempting to seize desperately needed supplies.

According to local reports, a group of Palestinian security officers intervened to stop the attack, but Israeli forces turned on them, killing six officers as they attempted to protect the aid.

The Gaza Government Media Office said in a statement that occupation forces launched eight attacks on security guards protecting the aid.

Abu Shabab, which has a history of drug trafficking and collaboration with extremist groups, seized a gas truck in Gaza last year and set it on fire to block roads and prevent aid deliveries.

The Zionist regime on Sunday allowed a small number of aid trucks into the Gaza Strip after imposing a total siege on March 2, following international pressure and widespread condemnation, as the Palestinian territory faces imminent famine.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sat in awkward silence as he listened to a video US President Donald Trump played in the Oval Office. CNN's Larry Madowo reports that Trump was pushing debunked claims and multiple reports have found no evidence of a "White genocide" in South Africa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared Tuesday in Beijing, during his opening speech at the IV Meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Ministerial Forum, his support for Latin American and Caribbean countries to “reject external interference”.

After expressing this support, the Chinese head of state urged Celac countries to “follow a path of development in accordance with their national conditions”.

“China supports the nations of the region in defending their national sovereignty and independence”, said the President during his inaugural speech at the IV China-Celac Ministers' Meeting.

The meeting in Beijing will be attended by foreign ministers and representatives of Celac and, uniquely, by the presidents of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Chile, Gabriel Boric, and Colombia, Gustavo Petro, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the bloc.

According to the Chinese leader, his nation and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are “important members of the global South” and must remain united in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, confrontations between blocs” and ‘growing trends of unilateralism and protectionism’.

“We will work with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to firmly safeguard the international system and speak with one voice in international and regional affairs,” he emphasized.

“Development and revitalization are our inherent rights, and equity and justice are our common aspiration” in the face of ‘geopolitical turbulence and confrontation,’ said Xi, who highlighted the joint work ”to practice true multilateralism, safeguard international equity and justice, and promote the reform of the global governance system to foster multipolarity.”

The leader recalled that trade between China and the region reached US$500 billion for the first time last year and expressed his nation's desire to continue to foster reciprocal support with Latin America and the Caribbean on issues that impact their “core interests and concerns.”

Accordingly, Xi announced that his nation will grant a line of credit to the region for some US$9.2 billion and will strengthen collaboration on security and law enforcement.

“We must strengthen exchanges in various fields and strengthen communication and coordination on important international and regional issues,” said Xi, who announced that, over the next three years, Beijing will invite 300 leaders of political parties from Celac member countries to visit China in order to ‘exchange experiences on governance’.

After the inauguration, Xi offered lunch to the attendees, followed by the plenary session of the meeting, which will be held behind closed doors and will conclude with the adoption of a joint declaration.

The central issues of the meeting will be “Electrical Interconnection and Renewable Energy” and “Trade Integration”, two topics that correspond to two fundamental goals of China in Latin America: to promote its New Silk Roads project (BRI) and to ensure access to valuable natural resources in the region such as lithium, rare earths, oil or copper.