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Air Force F-16 Pilot Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks Earns Silver Star After Bold Air Battle Over Yemen
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Air Force F-16 Pilot Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks Earns Silver Star After Bold Air Battle Over Yemen

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Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks, a veteran F-16 commander, received the Silver Star for his actions in combat over Yemen, with the award presented by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach.

The ceremony underscored a moment of focused courage and leadership at a time when U.S. forces continue to deter threats in a volatile region.

Parks led the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron for more than half a year as it deployed to the Middle East. He presided over operations involving 21 aircraft targeting enemy sites and was among four pilots assigned to neutralize air defenses.

This was no ordinary mission, and Parks proved himself equal to the moment by steering his squadron through dangerous skies.

“Parks’ courageous and steadfast actions directly contributed to the survival of his wingman and himself,” his Silver Star citation said. The citation highlighted the personal risk he accepted as he moved to protect teammates and complete crucial objectives under fire.

Parks, who has since left the 480th Fighter Squadron, was in command of the unit during its deployment in support of U.S. led operations in the Middle East. The squadron arrived in the CENTCOM area of responsibility in October 2024, amid a period of intensifying activity in the region.

The unit brought some of the Air Force’s most advanced F-16s to bear against threats from those who would endanger allied forces and regional stability.

U.S. Sends Retired F-16s from 'Boneyard' to Ukraine for Spare Parts

The squadron included 56 airmen and 12 F-16s as it worked to counter Houthi capabilities and disrupt efforts to target allied forces. The pilots and crews supported Operation Prosperity Guardian and its successor Operation Rough Rider, executing a range of missions designed to deter and degrade enemy air defenses.

“After hearing Skate’s story, his leadership, decisive action, and skill in the face of danger, I absolutely believe he deserves this honor,” Wilsbach said. The general’s words reflected a broader conviction in the value of bold, principled leadership in combat, a value shared by a White House and a Pentagon seeking to restore deterrence and confidence in America’s military readied for any threat.

The Air Force’s release described Parks as a fighter and leader in a high-stakes environment, one where a single decision can determine the outcome of a mission and the safety of many.

Parks faced the risk of surface-to-air missiles and artillery fire while still over hostile territory, and his actions played a decisive role in shaping the course of the engagement.

He spent 15 minutes defending against air defenses, a span in which every moment counted and every maneuver could spell success or failure.

In the broader theater, the unit earned recognition for its performance as it engaged multiple targets, including air defense systems that had the potential to threaten carrier groups and other assets operating in the area.

The squadron’s efforts contributed to a broader momentum in countering hostile actions from elements aligned against stability in the region.

The actions taken by Parks and his team fit a larger pattern of American airpower at work in 2024 and 2025, when pilots repeatedly faced intense engagements between regional adversaries and their allies.

During those periods, U.S. forces conducted intercept operations and counterair missions designed to protect key assets and deter further escalation.

The overall record includes notable successes against drone swarms and missiles, underscoring the importance of experienced leadership under pressure.

As this nation reflects on its military leadership, the case of Parks serves as a pointed example of the kind of courage our service members bring to every mission.

It also resonates with supporters of President Trump and his strategy for a stronger, more visible defense posture under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

The approach emphasizes readiness, modernization, and a resolute stance against threats, aiming to ensure the security of American personnel abroad and the success of allied operations.

In this context, the awards reflect more than personal valor. They symbolize a commitment to protect Americans at home and abroad, to deter aggression, and to uphold the commitments that underwrite global stability.

This is a moment that both honors one pilot’s bravery and reinforces the message that American leadership will stand firm in defense of its people and interests.

Marines Hit Retention Goals Ahead of Schedule, Officials Say
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Marines Hit Retention Goals Ahead of Schedule, Officials Say

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The U.S. Marine Corps announced it met its fiscal 2026 retention goals weeks after the target window opened, signaling strength and disciplined execution from the service.

Commandant Gen. Eric Smith noted in a video produced in October and released after the government shutdown that the effort was achieved “earlier than ever before.”

This outcome appears to be a direct reflection of steady leadership and a policy environment aimed at strengthening readiness.

Because the Corps has faced stubborn shortages in critical skill sets, these gains are being described as more than a routine milestone; they are a demonstration of a force prepared to meet a rising set of demands under a President who has prioritized a capable fighting force.

At the same time, Smith reminded viewers that the job is not finished, because a handful of military occupational specialties remain open for interested Marines.

Smith’s message was reinforced by Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz. He urged “qualified Marines who still have the desire to serve … to pursue lateral move opportunities into our critical need MOSs.”

The emphasis here is not simply on staying, but on moving into roles that ensure the Corps can surge capabilities when needed. These opportunities, the video explained, are part of a broader effort to balance talent with the service’s most pressing requirements.

A MARADMIN released earlier this month listed several options, and the message stated that “lat move” requests will be “processed on a case-by-case basis and … subject to school seat availability.”

The precise list includes Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Specialist (0211), Reconnaissance Marine (0321), Critical Skills Operator (MARSOC) (0372), Influence Operations Specialist (1751) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (2336), among others.

These identifiers are not merely numbers; they represent the Marines’ growing emphasis on filling specialized roles that support national security in a complex environment.

The directive shows a willingness to adapt and to place talent where it is most needed, which aligns with a national strategy aimed at maintaining overwhelming superiority.

“There are also outstanding opportunities in the reserve component through the Direct Affiliation Program and the active reserve,” Ruiz added in the video. This remark underscores a broader scope of opportunity beyond the active force, ensuring continuity and depth within the Corps as a whole.

It also reflects the administration’s emphasis on leveraging reserve components to sustain readiness without overburdening the active ranks.

Smith and Ruiz closed by urging leaders to prepare Marines for reenlistment with an eye toward fiscal 2027. The emphasis on long-term retention signals a sustained approach to building an enduring force, not just short-term gains.

The administration, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, has publicly supported a policy framework designed to ensure that the United States maintains a credible, modern, and ready military.

The emphasis on keeping experienced Marines in uniform echoes the broader push for resilience in the face of a dynamic security environment.

Beyond the headlines on retention, the Marine Corps also announced targeted incentives to bolster its ranks.

In addition to retention goals, the department highlighted program adjustments for the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Retention and Affiliation Bonus Program.

Selected Reserve personnel in ranks E-4 to E-6 were made eligible for one-time pay bumps for remaining in specific job specialties. Corporals, sergeants and staff sergeants with select MOSs can receive up to $20,000 lump-sum bonuses upon extending service in the SMCR for 36 months, according to a Nov. 19 memo.

Marines in those ranks are eligible to serve terms of 12 and 24 months, with corresponding bonus payments of $5,000 and $10,000, respectively.

The broader impact of these measures is evident in the recruiting data released in September, which showed the service had exceeded its most recent active-duty and reserve enlisted recruiting goal by a single person, bringing in 30,536 Marines across those components.

Officials at the time noted that the close-call total was a credit to the service being more selective of who it recruits. The combination of targeted retention incentives and selective recruiting marks a deliberate strategy to strengthen the Marine Corps at a moment of intense global competition.

This approach has drawn praise from leaders who view it as essential to maintaining America’s edge, especially under a leadership team that has consistently prioritized a robust, ready force capable of defending national interests.

In the end, the latest numbers are more than just statistics.

They reflect a disciplined trajectory toward a stronger, more capable force that can meet the challenges of an evolving security landscape with resolve and clarity.

Chaos on Fifth Avenue as Pro-Palestinian Protesters Rush ZARA Store, NYPD Makes Arrests
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Chaos on Fifth Avenue as Pro-Palestinian Protesters Rush ZARA Store, NYPD Makes Arrests

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At least four people were arrested after a group of pro-Palestinian protesters stormed a ZARA store in New York City on Black Friday, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) confirmed to Fox News.

The incident took place at the retailer’s Fifth Avenue location in Midtown Manhattan.

According to the report, protesters blew whistles and waved Palestinian flags as they demonstrated outside the store.

One woman yelled, “They fund the genocide, Free Palestine!”

Another protester shouted at employees, “ZARA is a genocidal company,” as the crowd gathered near the entrance.

NYPD officials said officers responded to what they described as a planned protest involving roughly 70 demonstrators.

Video footage showed several protesters rushing into the ZARA store before police quickly escorted them back outside.

Officers remained stationed at the entrance as the crowd continued to chant and wave signs.

The group was later seen outside the nearby Microsoft store, where additional video showed protesters continuing their demonstration along the heavily trafficked shopping corridor.

The New York Daily News reported that police also made arrests after pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the Apple Store in the same area.

Demonstrators there held signs with messages including, “Think before you buy” and “Israel is killing children.”

Officers moved in to disperse the group after they blocked access to the store.

NYPD said the investigation into the incidents remains ongoing.

Navy Races to Retrieve Downed Jet and Helicopter in the South China Sea
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Navy Races to Retrieve Downed Jet and Helicopter in the South China Sea

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The U.S. Navy has dispatched a salvage vessel to scour the depths of the South China Sea for the remnants of two aircraft that crashed last month.

The incidents occurred less than an hour apart on Oct. 26, and all personnel involved were recovered safely and in stable condition.

The USNS Salvor, “a Safeguard-class salvage ship operated by Military Sealift Command, arrived on location on Nov. 12 to conduct recovery efforts,” a statement from the U.S. Seventh Fleet read.

“Recovery efforts are still ongoing.” This is not a routine operation. It is a testament to a mission that must be executed with precision, especially when dangerous waters and uncertain recovery conditions are involved. Our men and women in uniform deserve every resource necessary to retrieve what can be saved and to account for what cannot.

The cause or causes of the crashes are still under investigation. In battles like this, transparency and accountability matter, and the American people deserve to know what happened and why, so we can prevent it in the future.

At 2:45 p.m. on the day of the crash, the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter “went down in the waters of the South China Sea while conducting routine operations,” the U.S. Pacific Fleet said at the time.

This was a routine mission, and yet danger lurked beneath the surface. The carrier’s strike group deployed assets that were able to rescue the three crew members from the helicopter, which was assigned to the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73.

The efficiency of the rescue underscores the Navy’s commitment to saving lives first, even as operations continue to be evaluated and improved.

At 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet from the Strike Fighter Squadron 22 “Fighting Redcocks” also crashed while conducting routine operations. The two crew members on the jet were able to successfully eject from the cockpit and were rescued.

Passenger Off The Hook for In-Flight Bomb Hoax That Prompted F-18 Response

The two successful ejections demonstrate both the readiness of air crews and the importance of survival gear, training, and quick response from rescue teams. These are the kinds of outcomes we must protect and expand upon, because every life saved is a victory in a dangerous theater.

The U.S. Navy has lost several F/A-18s within the last year, an expensive deficit with each jet costing $60 million. That reality makes every judgment and reform more consequential.

It also heightens the urgency of investment in flight safety, maintenance, and procurement discipline, so costs do not become a drag on readiness or deterrence.

The USS Gettysburg accidentally shot down an F/A-18 in December 2024, an F/A-18 attempting to land on the USS Harry S. Truman in May fell overboard, another F/A-18 fighter jet slipped off the hangar deck of the Truman in April and an F/A-18E crashed during a training flight off the coast of Virginia in August.

These incidents paint a troubling pattern that must be confronted head on with stronger oversight and a renewed culture of safety. We can and must do better, because the stakes are simply too high to ignore.

The fleet cannot afford to tolerate preventable losses, and the people deserve the assurance that every precaution has been taken to keep aircrews safe.

As this salvage operation continues, we see the Navy’s capability on full display.

The mission demonstrates not only courage under pressure but the coordinated teamwork required to recover from misfortune. In the end, the American people deserve a force that is disciplined, well funded, and relentlessly focused on mission readiness, even when the odds appear daunting.

This is how we respond. We insist on accountability, and we demand a force that can win battles while protecting lives. The data and the outcomes must guide policy, strategy, and budgeting so that our armed forces emerge stronger and more capable than ever before.

This is a moment that tests leadership at every level. It is also a moment that highlights why a strong national defense is non negotiable.

With President Trump in the White House and Pete Hegseth learning from the front lines, America would see a defense posture that emphasizes modernization, rigorous safety protocols, and a renewed emphasis on aircrew survivability.

The goal is clear: deter adversaries, protect our people, and keep faith with those who serve.

We owe that to the brave sailors and pilots who fly into danger in our name.

We owe it to their families who wait for news and prayers. And we owe it to a nation that expects nothing less than steadfast leadership in the face of uncertainty.

Witness Video Shows Guardsman Running Toward Gunfire as Terrorist Ambushed Troops
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Witness Video Shows Guardsman Running Toward Gunfire as Terrorist Ambushed Troops

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Newly obtained footage shows a National Guardsman opening fire on Rahmanullah Lakanwal as the 29-year-old Afghan national carried out an ambush on two Guard members in Washington, D.C., on Thanksgiving eve.

The video, reviewed by the Wall Street Journal, shows Lakanwal brandishing a revolver during the attack.

According to witnesses, Lakanwal opened fire on National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, on a D.C. street.

A third Guardsman, who was nearby, ran toward the scene while reloading his weapon.

The Journal reported that “five seconds later,” the Guardsman returned fire in the direction of the suspect.

Investigators have said that a review of surveillance footage showed a Guard member exchanging fire with the suspect before additional troops reached the scene.

As the New York Post reported, other Guard members “were able to run over and pin the gunman down as he was taken into custody.”

Images captured after the shooting show Beckstrom and Wolfe on the sidewalk.

President Donald Trump confirmed that Beckstrom later died from her injuries.

Wolfe remains hospitalized and in critical condition.

Authorities have identified Lakanwal as an Afghan refugee who entered the United States in 2021 on a temporary visa issued under the Biden-Harris administration.

Prosecutors have upgraded charges against him to first-degree murder following Beckstrom’s death.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that the Justice Department will seek the death penalty.

Federal officials say the investigation is ongoing as they continue reviewing video, witness accounts, and ballistic evidence related to the attack.

On Friday, President Trump announced new immigration directives in response to the incident.

He said he is ordering a “permanent pause” on migration from what he described as third-world countries and will move to end all illegal entries into the United States processed under the Biden-Harris administration.

“I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover, terminate all of the millions of Biden illegal admissions … and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country,” Trump wrote on social media.

West Virginia Communities Honor Guardsmen Targeted in Washington Shooting
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West Virginia Communities Honor Guardsmen Targeted in Washington Shooting

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West Virginia communities gathered this week to honor two National Guard members shot in Washington, underscoring the state’s enduring commitment to the men and women who serve. The fallen was Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized after Wednesday’s assault.

Wolfe’s condition was described Friday by Governor Patrick Morrisey as “very critical.” In the line of duty, these two West Virginia heroes were deployed to Washington to bolster public safety and protect the nation’s capital.

These protections are more than a routine mission; they embody the resolve of a state and a nation that will not yield to violence.

Morrisey’s office announced a proclamation calling on all West Virginians to observe a statewide moment of silence or prayer on Friday afternoon to honor Wolfe and Beckstrom. In addition, Morrisey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in recognition of Beckstrom’s death.

“These two West Virginia heroes were serving our country and protecting our nation’s capital when they were maliciously attacked,” Morrisey said. “Their courage and commitment to duty represent the very best of our state.” The strongest tribute a community can offer is to reaffirm its gratitude and its readiness to stand with the families who bear the cost of service.

The story rippled through small towns as well, with a Thanksgiving night vigil at a wall honoring veterans in Webster Springs drawing a few dozen locals who stood bundled against the chill. In moments like these, the state is reminded that service comes with sacrifice, and the call to duty extends beyond the battlefield.

Beckstrom’s life reflected a blend of duty and compassion. The Webster County High School graduate, who earned honors in 2023, joined the National Guard a few weeks later and served with distinction as a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company.

Beckstrom “exemplified leadership, dedication and professionalism,” the West Virginia National Guard stated, adding that she “volunteered to serve as part of Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful, helping to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s capital.”

These words describe a young woman who wore camouflage with the same sense she wore empathy for others, a testament to her big heart.

Beckstrom’s family expressed their sorrow in a way that reminded many of the cost of service. Her father posted on social media that it was a horrible tragedy, and the loss has touched people far beyond Beckstrom’s hometown. The outpouring of support continues as communities honor her memory and the commitment she showed daily.

On the national stage, President Donald Trump spoke of Beckstrom in terms many veterans and families find meaningful. He called Beckstrom an “incredible person, outstanding in every single way.” That simple tribute from the president underscored a broader truth about national service: every sacrifice strengthens the republic and renews the public’s trust in those who answer the call.

The tale of Wolfe is equally compelling for a different reason. A friend and classmate spoke of a life that grew from curiosity to meaningful labor, noting Wolfe’s path from Musselman High School in 2019 to a role where he could serve both nation and local community.

“As long as she was with people who cared about her, she was having a good time,” Carr told the newspaper as he reflected on Beckstrom’s approach to service and friendship.

Wolfe, who serves with the 167th Force Support Squadron, has worked as a lineman with Frontier Communications since early 2023.

Frontier Communications stated that Wolfe “is a valuable member of our team, working hard to bring high-speed fiber internet to homes and businesses so everyone can stay connected to essential services and fully participate in the digital economy.”

The company’s tribute highlighted the practical value of service and the role of technology in keeping communities resilient and connected, especially in challenging times.

The community’s remembrance extended to Wolfe’s school, where Berkeley County officials noted his accomplishments.

Wolfe graduated from Musselman High School in 2019, and Principal Alicia Riggleman recalled a student who was “engaged and high-achieving,” someone who “embodied the Applemen spirit, contributing positively to our school community both academically and athletically.”

Such memories reinforce the belief that leadership and character form the core of public life.

In Summersville, officials announced plans for a candlelight vigil honoring Beckstrom, a sign of how local government and residents value sacrifice as much as achievement. Sheriff Rob Blair and others urged prayers for Wolfe’s recovery as the nation considers national defense and public safety in a wider political context.

This tragedy arrives at a moment when the country is focused on a robust national security posture, and it presents a test for the nation’s leadership.

The Trump administration, along with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s approach to defense and readiness, has consistently emphasized strengthening the guard, modernizing capabilities, and ensuring that law enforcement and military personnel can perform their duties with the backing of a resolute national strategy.

The lives of Beckstrom and Wolfe remind Americans that security at home depends on a determined, well-equipped force and the political will to support them.

In that sense, their stories are not only about sorrow but also about resolve, and about a country that chooses to honor and empower those who stand at the front lines to protect our communities.

Jill Biden, 74, Spotted Lingerie Shopping During Family Holiday in Nantucket
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Jill Biden, 74, Spotted Lingerie Shopping During Family Holiday in Nantucket

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Jill Biden made a stop at a lingerie boutique in Nantucket on Black Friday during the Biden family’s annual Thanksgiving visit to the island.

The former first lady was seen leaving Ladybird Lingerie, located in Nantucket’s historic district, while wearing sunglasses and a purple coat and scarf.

Her husband, Joe Biden, was not with her during the morning visit.

Ladybird Lingerie describes its products as garments “both pleasing to the eyes as well as the body wearing them.”

Jill Biden’s stop at the shop took place before the family gathered for lunch at the Brotherhood of Thieves restaurant.

Joe Biden, former first son Hunter Biden, and other family members met there as part of their traditional holiday itinerary.

After lunch, Jill Biden returned to the $34 million Nantucket compound owned by billionaire David Rubenstein.

The Bidens have spent the past four Thanksgiving holidays at the property.

Joe and Hunter remained in downtown Nantucket after the meal, continuing to browse local stores and later stopping for milkshakes.

The family reconvened in the evening for the annual lighting of Nantucket’s Christmas decorations.

Natalie Biden, the daughter of Joe Biden’s late son Beau, stood beside her grandfather during the event and was seen holding his arm.

Joe Biden, who completed radiation treatment last month for prostate cancer, was bundled in a bomber jacket and gloves in the cold weather.

The Bidens’ public appearances occurred on the same day President Donald Trump made comments regarding documents signed during Joe Biden’s ‘autopen’ presidency.

Trump said he was repealing all documents signed by the former president using an autopen.

He also said he would seek charges of perjury if Joe Biden claims staff members acted under his direction when utilizing the device.

The Bidens’ visit to Nantucket included their traditional stops around the island and concluded with the Christmas lights event, which drew residents and visitors to downtown Nantucket.

Debbie Wasserman Blames Trump Policies, Gun Violence for Afghan National Attack in DC
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Debbie Wasserman Blames Trump Policies, Gun Violence for Afghan National Attack in DC

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Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., said Friday that President Donald Trump bears responsibility for the death of a National Guard member killed in an ambush-style shooting in Washington, D.C.

The attack on Wednesday left National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom dead and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in critical condition.

Left-wing commentators have argued that the shooting occurred only because of Trump’s orders to deploy National Guard personnel in U.S. cities.

During an interview on CNN, host Sara Sidner asked Wasserman Schultz about the incident as officials continued to investigate the attack.

Wasserman Schultz said the shooting “begs the question, would an individual have flown across the country to target law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C.? And, I mean, the answer is likely no. So, why wasn’t the president’s first thought, ‘Wow, you know, maybe I should reconsider deploying military troops in the nation’s capital or in any city?’”

She added, “Particularly not when they haven’t coordinated closely with the leadership of these cities and when we have law enforcement that are quite capable of handling the criminal justice issues that are — that we need law enforcement to focus on, and not our military.”

President Trump has said he ordered the deployment because local law enforcement had been unable to address rising crime in cities suffering from years of public safety problems.

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference earlier this year that the federal surge contributed to a reduction in crime, including an 87% decrease in carjackings.

Authorities said Wednesday’s shooting was carried out by an Afghan national.

Following the attack, Trump called for halting mass migration from what he described as the “Third World” and announced plans for “reverse migration.”

Sidner noted that “days before the shooting, the public learned through reporting that the Trump administration had planned to review and reinterview refugees that came in during the Biden administration.”

Wasserman Schultz said, “I just think that any administration needs to be careful about making sweeping generalizations. If there were gaps that admitted this person, they would have failed over multiple levels of gaps. And this individual was trusted enough to participate in assisting our military during the war in Afghanistan.”

She said Trump should examine his own decisions.

“The president looks everywhere except inward to blame his own policies. We need to make sure that we don’t have our military deployed in our cities, doing — handling law enforcement responsibilities,” she said.

“We certainly need to make sure we always have the proper and appropriate and tight, tight vetting processes, and those should be reviewed. But it’s never the president’s fault or his policies when it comes to his reaction, and it’s pretty disgusting.”

The White House issued a response Friday criticizing Wasserman Schultz’s comments.

Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson wrote, “This animal would’ve never been here if not for Joe Biden’s dangerous policies, which allowed countless unvetted criminals to invade our country and harm the American people. The Trump administration is taking every measure possible — in the face of unrelenting Democrat opposition — to get these monsters out of our country and clean up the mess made by the Biden administration. Instead of defending terrorists, the Democrats should join us in protecting the American people.”

Maduro’s Cartel Stronghold Crumbles as U.S. Military Tightens the Noose, Closes Airspace
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Maduro’s Cartel Stronghold Crumbles as U.S. Military Tightens the Noose, Closes Airspace

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The coastal city of Güiria, a longtime hub for smuggling and illicit maritime trade in northeastern Venezuela, is experiencing severe economic disruption and heightened government surveillance following U.S. military strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.

The city, home to roughly 40,000 residents, has relied for years on the movement of drugs, contraband, food, and consumer goods between Venezuela and nearby Caribbean nations.

Reuters reported Friday that the recent U.S. operations have stopped nearly all boat departures from the area, leaving local commerce at a standstill.

“There was only movement in stores recently because of government bonus payments; otherwise, there’s no money circulating,” one merchant told Reuters.

The resident added that all boat activity has halted.

“No boats of any kind are leaving … not migrants, not people buying goods there to sell here, and certainly not those taking Venezuelan products to sell there, which was another way to make money. Everything is practically dead.”

Families of several men from Güiria who were believed to have been killed during the U.S. strikes said they were visited shortly afterward by Venezuelan police and intelligence agents.

Venezuela’s socialist government is considered illegitimate by the United States and numerous other countries.

According to Reuters, the relatives requested anonymity out of concern for their safety and said authorities searched their homes and warned them not to discuss the deaths publicly.

They also said they have received no official notification and have not been able to recover bodies.

Security forces began expanding their presence in Güiria in mid-September.

Residents have reported frequent patrols by personnel from the Directorate General of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) and the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN).

Reuters cited accounts of a former resident who said the DGCIM established a “command center” in a state-owned hotel in a resort area near the city, which has contributed to a decline in normal public activity.

“The people in town know there are individuals who are not part of the community, not from there. People walking around like civilians, but they belong to government intelligence,” the former resident said, according to Reuters.

“There’s so much secrecy – no one talks about it because they don’t know if someone is listening.”

The DGCIM remains under investigation by the International Criminal Court and has been sanctioned by the United States.

The agency has been accused of extrajudicial executions, torture, and other abuses. SEBIN has carried out surveillance against journalists, political opponents, and additional groups, according to Reuters.

Conditions in Güiria have continued to deteriorate as the United States increases its military presence around Venezuela.

Approximately 10% of U.S. naval assets are currently positioned in the region.

Since Sept. 2, U.S. forces have conducted 21 strikes on vessels believed to be involved in narcotrafficking, resulting in more than 80 deaths.

In mid-October, President Donald Trump authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela.

In mid-November, the U.S. government designated the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, stating that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro heads the cartel.

Trump said Thursday in remarks to service members that U.S. operations targeting alleged drug traffickers in Venezuela may expand beyond maritime activity to include land-based actions.

Gun Control Dems Concealed Carrying in DC Before National Guard Showed Up: Anna Paulina Luna
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Gun Control Dems Concealed Carrying in DC Before National Guard Showed Up: Anna Paulina Luna

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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna criticized Democrats over their statements regarding gun rights, the National Guard, and the murder of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, saying Democratic lawmakers were ignoring the conditions in Washington, D.C., prior to President Donald Trump’s deployment of Guard units.

Luna said Democrats have overlooked the purpose of the National Guard and the role Guard members played in securing the capital.

“Yeah, that’s a pretty abhorrent perspective for them to have. You know, I think it would provide context so that they clearly don’t know what they’re talking about, or even maybe understand what the purpose of the National Guard is,” Luna said.

“A lot of these people are either homegrown or lent from out of state to basically help secure Washington.”

She said many Americans are unaware of how lawmakers handled their own safety concerns.

“I’ll just give you a little example here. Okay, first of all, the American people might not know this, but a majority of members of Congress to include Democrats, are concealed carrying in Washington because of how bad it was up until President Trump took over,” Luna said.

Luna noted that while Democrats have supported restrictions on gun ownership, they secured permits for themselves.

“Okay, this is the same party that’s trying to take away your gun rights. Meanwhile, they were the ones that were fast tracking their own concealed carry permits,” she said.

She also described a mugging incident involving a Democratic lawmaker to highlight the prior conditions in the city.

“Aside from that, I was in Washington when a Democrat member of Congress was mugged and basically had his even sushi stolen,” Luna said.

According to Luna, Washington ranked among the most dangerous cities until the National Guard was deployed during Trump’s tenure

. “And not just that, but it was one of the most dangerous crime ridden cities in the world, basically up until President Trump put the national guard there,” she said.

Luna condemned Democratic lawmakers who suggested Trump was responsible for Beckstrom’s death, saying their reactions were unjustified.

“So for them to say, or try to even justify the murder of these of this one beautiful woman, Sarah Beckstrom, who was an absolute patriot, is abhorrent,” Luna said.

She also criticized comments made by some lawmakers regarding the military.

“Frankly, I think that right now that this country can see exactly what they’re doing, and the fact that you even had members of Senate come out even previous to this saying that basically, members of the armed forces should commit sedition, that’s completely unacceptable,” Luna said.

Luna’s remarks addressed concerns raised following the deadly attack near the White House, which authorities say was carried out by an Afghan national.


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