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China identifies 261 missing foreigners in Himalayan mudslide
China said on Sunday that 261 foreigners from 23 different countries were missing on the Tibetan border with Nepal after a mudslide which ripped through the Himalayan area. The death toll for Tibet is now 16 people. At a press briefing, officials from China's Tibet Autonomous Region stated that the largest number of foreigners missing was from Nepal, with 104. Also unaccounted for were 49 Indians, 33 Latvians, 18 Americans and 15 British nationals. Beijing authorities have informed foreign missions, they said. This was the first nationality breakdown from the Chinese since Wednesday's collapse of a ice sheet?released a torrent of rock, mud, and debris into Himalayan rivers. As of Saturday evening, authorities reported 16 deaths in Gyirong County and 546 missing people. The disaster authority in Nepal reported that at least 675 deaths occurred on the Nepalese side of the border.?2,498 people are still missing, and 7,514 people have been rescued. Residents and rescue workers were reportedly'moved up to higher ground by local police after the water level in the nearby Trishuli River grew over the last few hours. This highlights the danger of further flooding, even while rescue efforts continue. CHINA LINKS GLOBAL WINTER WARMING TO DISASTER Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said the disaster was caused by "glacier instability due to the long-term impacts of global warming". It is "a new and prominent feature of the cryosphere catastrophes" on Tibet's plateau. CCTV, citing Chinese scientists, reported that it took between six and seven minutes for the mudslide to reach the Gyirong crossing from the Nepalese border. The surveillance footage showed that torrents of debris and water were engulfing the buildings as people fled. In a Saturday telephone call, China's foreign minister Wang Yi informed his?Nepalese equivalent that the mudslide had been their "most serious cross-border catastrophe" in recent times, and that rescue efforts were unprecedented in difficulty and complexity. China has mobilised more than 2,100 rescue workers to assist in relief efforts and committed at least 220 millions yuan (about $32.7 million) for the cause. The?state broadcaster also said that it is providing emergency cash assistance, disaster relief supplies and satellite and hydrological information to Nepal. CCTV reported that the countries were working together to identify missing citizens, foreign nationals and strengthen cooperation in disaster mitigation and climate change response. The Red Cross estimates that more than 90 000 people may have been affected.
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Venezuela's interim President says US energy agreement will last 25 Years
Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's interim president, said on Saturday that an energy deal with the United States would remain in force for a period of 25 years. The agreement would be in place for 25 years, and aim to increase crude production up to 1.5 million barrels a day (bpd). It will also preserve Venezuela's sovereignty in relation to its natural resources. In a late night address, Rodriguez described the agreement as "historic", saying that it would revitalize the economy and increase government revenues. He also said the deal would help shape the future of the country. Rodriguez told state broadcaster VTV that the project, which spans 25 years, involves 17 strategic oilfields and a target production of 1.5 million barrels a day. This figure is based on the bilateral agreement between Venezuela and the United States. Rodriguez said that the 1.5 million barrels per day target set in the agreement was just an initial goal. The broader plan included the development eight greenfield oil block as part of a larger expansion of the energy sector of the country. Donald Trump announced plans on Friday to have the U.S. take a partial control over Venezuela's vast reserves of oil. He believes that American companies can help the South American nation's energy industry, which has been shattered by the recession. They also believe they can provide a new supply of crude oil to lower U.S. gasoline prices. Trump gave few details about the agreement. He said that the U.S. secured majority control over more than 65 billion bbls of Venezuela's proven reserves of oil through a partnership between private businesses. Venezuela is the country with the largest oil reserves in history, but its production has been far below potential due to years of mismanagement, sanctions and underinvestment. Rodriguez stated that the agreement would generate approximately $209 billion for the Venezuelan government, based upon a benchmark price of $65 a barrel. However, she did acknowledge that crude prices can fluctuate. She said that roughly $19 of each barrel produced and purchased under the agreement would go directly to Venezuela. This would provide a significant boost in government revenue. She stated that the country retains "ownership and sovereignty" of its natural resources "while leveraging the capital, technology, and operational expertise in order to support the recovery and recovery of a strategically important?industry which has been severely impacted by sanctions." On Saturday morning, dozens pro-government groups protested against the U.S. military presence in Venezuela. Rodriguez said that the agreement would boost economic growth and increase revenue for the government following Trump's announcement. Venezuelan officials are preparing to sign next week agreements?granting new rights for oil exploration and production to several companies, including U.S.-based firms. Two sources familiar with the negotiations told us on Friday that Chevron would be among the companies to complete the transition of its Venezuelan joint-ventures into the new energy framework in the country.
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WSJ reports that the US will take a 35% stake in Venezuelan oil mogul Betancourt’s venture.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that the U.S. Government plans to acquire a 35% passive stake in North American Blue Energy Partners of Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt, citing "people" involved in the negotiations. The WSJ reported that the U.S. plans to also secure preferential rights for the purchase of 20% of the production costs at the company. The Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital intends to?structure the investment through penny-warrants that would give the U.S. a?equity ownership in the business? without significant capital investments, according to the WSJ. The report was released just a day after U.S. president Donald Trump announced?on Friday? that the U.S. will take 'control' of a fifth of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Trump gave few details, saying that the U.S. secured majority control over more than 65 billion barrels (proven) of Venezuela's oil reserves by partnering with private businesses. Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, responded to a comment request by saying: "The Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), does not own equity stakes in private companies." OSC is only allowed to provide 'capital assistance, in the form a loan, a loan guarantee or technical assistance, including transaction structuring, for developing and funding investments. North 'American Blue Energy Partners and the?White House?didn't respond to comments made outside of regular business hours.
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In record numbers, hungry bears invade US West homes and shops
Matt Errico, sitting on his toilet in Colorado, heard noises. After a brief stare-off, they bolted out of the front door. After a?staring match, the two bears bolted from the front door. Errico had seen bears in his garbage before, but this was the first time. Errico, a small mountain town located about 57 miles (92 kilometers) northwest of Denver, said, "I've never heard of cubs being inside someone's home." Black bears have been spotted also in a Granby vapor shop. They are among the thousands of black bears that are heading to towns and cities in the U.S. West at record numbers. According to bear experts and state wildlife agencies, bears wandered around a Santa Fe school, New Mexico; climbed trees near a Denver farmers' market and surprised people in other places across the nation after the driest, most arid winter in history wiped out the plants, grasses and nuts which make up 90% of their diet. Animals' amazing sense of smell draws them to food. According to wildlife agencies, this is leading to record-breaking bear deaths as hundreds of them are killed, shot, or electrocuted when they interact with humans. Testing the Bears With West's aridification predicted to continue, experts are concerned that bears could become habituated to eating human food or even stop hibernating if winters get too warm and food becomes scarce. Black bear expert Jon Beckmann explained, "It is like testing the bears and humans in a new way. People have moved into areas that bears once used to hunt for food. In states such as Nevada, where they were nearly wiped out a century earlier, bear populations are on the rise. According to Colorado authorities, black bears are the most healthy of the eight bear species in the world. There are between 17,000 and 20.000 bears living there. Colorado Springs, Vail and other cities in that state are now surrounded by bears because of the increase in human population. Colorado, home to only black bears, had 7,000 bear sightings last year, according to the wildlife agency of the state. This is more than the previous record set in 2019. At least six bear attacks have occurred in the state. Jonathan Livingston, spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, says that between 1.5% and 2% of sightings result in euthanasia. Bears are usually killed when they're deemed dangerous. For example, when they attack people or break into houses. Wildlife agencies need to do more to avoid conflicts, say conservation groups such as the Colorado Bear Coalition. Livingston said that if people report bears to authorities early, officials are able to avoid euthanasias by scaring the animals away. New Mexico wildlife agency reports that officials and landowners have killed 187 black bears, the highest number since 2011. The agency has relocated 36 adults and 16 cubs. Police reported that a bear attacked a man last week in New Mexico, the first such attack in the state in 25 years. Utah authorities have reported that they have euthanized a total of 39 animals this year, a record number for any full year. The wildlife agency of Montana said that sightings in Montana are too many to count. Grizzlies have been moving into areas where they had not visited for decades. According to the wildlife agency, 24 grizzlies died in 2014. Most of them were killed by attacking livestock, people, or cars. A grizzly killed a man in Montana's Glacier National Park last May. Few fatal bear attacks are reported in the West each year. BEARMAGGEDON? Authorities are urging residents to use bear resistant garbage bins and not leave trash cans on the streets for long periods of time. They also urge them not to put bird or pet food within reach of animals. Livingston explained that many clashes begin with someone dumpster diving. They can end up with a black bear weighing 200 to 400 pounds (91-181 kilograms) with razor-sharp claws of 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm). Heather Reich, a Nevada bear expert, hopes that drought conditions will ease and the animals will return to the wilderness. She fears that bears are just starting to gain weight in preparation for hibernation. We can't imagine how September and October will look. It's going to be Armageddon," said Reich. A former bear manager at Nevada's Wildlife Agency, Reich now sells doormats that emit an electric charge to keep bears out of homes. (Reporting from Andrew Hay in New Mexico, Editing by Donna Bryson & Mark Porter)
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Sources: Gunfire and explosions at Niamey's airport and perimeter of the presidency in Niger
According to two witnesses, gunfire and explosions were heard in several parts of the capital city, Niamey on Saturday morning. The cause of the explosions and gunfire is not known. The city, and more specifically the complex that houses the international airport, and the military airbase, experienced major unrest for the third time this year. This highlights the persistent insecurity of the military-led regime which took power in a 2023 coup, promising to restore order. Security sources reported that "terrorists'" attacked the Diori Hamani International Airport and tried to breach the perimeter security around the presidency. Witnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire near the presidency. Bana Wagana Ibrahim is a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council, and a delegate in the Alliance of Sahel States Parliament (AES). He said on Facebook that attackers targeted the military base, Base 101, but security forces had recovered control. Ibrahim wrote: "Another cowardly assault on Base 101? and once again, our defence forces and security forces made sure... situation under control." A witness, however, reported that there was 'further gunfire and heavy explosions at the airport in the early morning hours following Ibrahim's posting. Another security source said that security forces launched massive operations, and that attackers were "neutralized", while others fled. We could not independently verify Ibrahim's and the sources of security. The military government of Niger was not available to comment immediately. NIGER IS KEY URANIUM PRODUCER Since a coup in July 2023 that removed President Mohamed Bazoum, the Niger has been ruled militarily. Despite promises by its military leaders to improve security, Burkina Faso continues to fight islamist insurgencies that are linked to?al Qaeda or Islamic State. West Africa's al Qaeda -affiliated group claimed responsibility for a?attack in June on the airport at Niamey, five months after Islamic State Sahel Province had targeted the site. Since gaining power, Abdourahamane Tiani’s?junta shifted away Western partners, deepened ties to Russia, and broke with the regional ECOWAS group, joining Mali, Burkina Faso, and forming the AES breakaway bloc. Niger's unrest comes at a time when authorities are tightening control over the country's uranium industry, after seizing assets from France Orano. Niger was a major supplier of nuclear fuels to Europe, with about 15% of Orano’s uranium at full capacity. According to a government decree, last week the government redistributed former Orano uranium and GoviEx permits to state-backed firms.
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The risk of a lake bursting near the China-Nepal border disaster area is decreasing
Chinese authorities reported on Saturday that the threat of a large lake forming after a 'glacier collapse' near the border between China and Nepal, where a deadly flood occurred earlier this week, has diminished. Satellite images taken from Thursday morning to Saturday morning show that the water flowing through the lake, which straddles the China-Nepal boundary at the confluence two rivers, has been decreasing the reservoir slowly, according to state broadcaster CCTV, citing the Water Resources Ministry. Satellite images of the lake surface at Purepu Tsangpo River showed that it was around the size 14 football fields combined on Saturday morning. This is a 21,000 sqm reduction compared to Thursday's images. A massive glacier slide on Wednesday sent a torrent of rocks, ice, and debris down the Himalayan river systems, washing away a complex of border ports linking China's Tibet with Nepal. Hundreds were killed, while thousands are still missing. Authorities and experts have warned of the high risk of secondary disasters, particularly from the lake formed by glacier debris. This could endanger rescue operations downstream. China Anneng, a state-owned engineering and safety enterprise, has been monitoring Lake Tai since Thursday. On Friday, a 15-member group was sent with reconnaissance drones and portable satellite stations, as well as mobile surveillance cameras, to collect more information about the lake. A lake overflow on Friday temporarily stopped rescue efforts until further assessment determined that the risks were manageable. Authorities have also marked another large body of water below the collapsed glacier. The depth of the mudslide is not known, said Chen Hongqi a senior engineer with the Geological Disaster Technical Guidance Center of Ministry of Natural Resources. An official from Nepal's Disaster Management Authority said that flood risks would?remain" until the two lakes had been completely drained. According to CCTV, in a 'bleak rainy morning on Saturday, more than fifty rescue workers searched through the grey rubble and mud of boulders looking for any survivors and calling out. On Friday afternoon, a first team of search and rescue dogs had arrived at the location of the Gyirong Border Crossing Complex. They described it as nothing but ruins. Xinhua, the state news agency, said that the Chinese relief efforts continue to be challenged by the dangerous conditions in the main disaster area, which are made more complicated because roads and communications have been cut off. China's death toll from the disaster grew to seven early on Saturday morning, with 554 people still missing. Xinhua reported that a total of 555 tourists, including nearly 500 villagers, construction workers and all 555 tourists, have been evacuated from the affected area.
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Foreign Minister says Nepal needs assistance in technical areas and not in search and rescue.
Nepal is in need of foreign assistance in areas such as search and rescue and specialised technical fields, which are not its expertise, following the devastating flood that struck its Himalayan border area with China last week. The collapse of a glacier on Wednesday released a torrent of rocks, ice, debris and mud into the Himalayan river systems. Nearly 600 people were killed in Nepal, China, Tibet, while more than 2,000 are still missing. Shisir khanal stated that Kathmandu needed foreign assistance in areas like rescuing people trapped in tunnels, opening communication and transport services where bridges were destroyed, identifying?dead bodies, DNA testing, and storing corpses for longer periods. Khanal, late Friday night, said that "we have already requested such specialised services as well as technical assistance in the areas where we lack expertise and know-how." The giant neighbours India and China, between whom this poor Himalayan nation is wedged, were asked to allow bailey bridges in the disaster-hit region, where two dozen bridges had been destroyed, to reopen as soon as possible. On Friday, the Nepalese foreign ministry said that Kathmandu was able to manage rescue efforts on its own and had declined foreign involvement. Khanal, when asked about the stance taken by his government, said that there was no need for?assistance in general?search and rescue?which was being done?by Nepali rescuers. He said, "We don't think this needs to be repeated."
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Trump: U.S. oil deal with Venezuela.
On Friday, U.S. president Donald 'Trump' said that the U.S. entered into an oil agreement with Venezuela. Trump said on Truth Social that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of war Pete Hegseth had secured the majority U.S. ownership of more than 65 BILLION BARRELS of proven oil reserves in Venezuela. This was done at no cost to American taxpayers. Trump claimed that the agreement would double American oil reserves. The U.S. has been promoting American investments in the deteriorated Venezuelan energy industry since January when it?captured? and removed? former President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration is under pressure to lower gasoline prices ahead of the midterm elections later this year. This could be achieved by reducing oil supply costs and increasing production. The U.S. has also been searching for ways to?replenish the Strategic Petroleum?Reserve (the oil stockpile), including the possibility of swapping crude with U.S. producers. Reporting by Costas Pittas and Christian Martinez, Editing by Jasper Ward & CaitlinWebber
Syria still relies on Russian oil despite pivot towards the West
Reporting shows that Russia is now the largest oil supplier to Syria despite the alignment of the new government with the West, and despite widespread mistrust of Moscow due to its military support of the fallen leader Bashar Al-Assad.
The reporting found that oil shipments from Russia jumped by 75% this year to about 60,000 barges per day, based upon calculations of official announcements, and data from ship tracking on LSEG MarineTraffic, and Shipnext.
These volumes are a small part of the daily oil exports from Russia.
The flows will make Russia the dominant crude supplier in Syria after the fall of Assad, December 2024. This is replacing Iran, which was a major ally of the ousted president during the 14-year civil conflict.
This dynamic shows how limited Syria's options are. Even though Syria emerged from the war with a Western leaning economy, it is not firmly?integrated in the global financial system.
Three Syrian officials and two analysts said that the trade was a reflection of economic necessity for Damascus. It also gave Moscow influence over a country in which it still has two air and naval bases.
Officials who spoke under condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive issues said that the relationship with Russia could strain ties between the EU and Washington. However, Damascus has limited options at the moment.
According to Syrian economist Karam Shar, the trade could also expose Syria's energy industry to new Western sanctions.
Shaar added that the Syrian government is aware of the risks, and is looking for alternatives suppliers.
A representative of the state-owned Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC), said that Damascus is trying to diversify its suppliers and has, to date, unsuccessfully sought an oil agreement with Turkey, a country close to Sharaa's government.
SynMax, a maritime analytics firm, said that financial constraints, commercial risk and years of conflict have limited Syria's ability to access conventional tanker operators. This leaves Russian-linked networks as the only viable option.
SynMax stated in a press release that "these shipping networks?could pose reputational challenges to Syria as it seeks re-establish its commercial credibility." However, the statement noted that "a shift to conventional international supply chain is unlikely to happen immediately."
The Russian or Syrian energy ministries did not respond to comments. The U.S. State Department refused to comment on Syria’s oil trade with Russia.
The U.S. Treasury issued temporary waivers to countries that have already purchased sanctioned Russian oil or petroleum products at sea.
The Ministry of Information in Syria, which deals with media requests for Sharaa's Office, did not either respond.
Officials from the Syrian Energy Ministry said that Syria's dependence on Russian oil was also due to its limited market size, weak purchasing power and difficulty in securing long-term contracts.
In March 2013, the Central Bank of Syria reactivated their account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, allowing them to communicate more widely with the global financial systems for the first since 2011. RUSSIA IS FIRST TO SEND OIL FOLLOWING ASSAD'S FALL
According to Kpler and an official, Russia was the first country to send a cargo to Syria following the fall of Assad. It went on to ship 16.8 million barrels by 2025 –?about 46,000 barley per day – through 19 cargoes between February 28th and December 31st.
Calculations show that this has increased to 60,000 barrels a day. The names of 21 vessels that arrive in Syrian ports almost weekly from Russia were tracked. All of the vessels are under Western sanctions.
The rise is a "sharp departure" from the previous years. Iran was Syria’s main crude supplier until 2025. Russia’s contribution was limited to occasional diesel deliveries. Kpler data indicates that in 2024, all crude imports - approximately 22.2 million barrels – came from Iran. This was after Assad fell. Although the government has regained control of oilfields in eastern Syria, production is still limited. Al-Omar, the country's biggest oil field in Deir-Ezzor, produces 5,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Total domestic production was 35,000 bpd by 2025. This is far below the 350,000 bpd levels that existed before war. According to officials from the Syrian Petroleum Company, and the energy ministry, Syria's daily fuel and oil needs are between 120,000 and 150.000 barrels. Additional volumes, estimated by officials as around 50,000 bpd, are smuggled in from Lebanon, which imports crude oil from many sources, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.
The Russian shipments have covered the gap of approximately a third of the domestic demand. These contracts were purchased at a discounted price to Brent crude benchmark prices before the Iran War. An official from the Syrian Company for Oil Transport who is familiar with these contracts confirmed that the contracts were purchased prior to the Iran War.
Syrian authorities announce when oil shipments arrive in state media outlets but don't disclose their origin. This is because they are aware that Russia has a low level of popularity in Syria due to its military support for Assad.
The government only identified one delivery, from an ally Saudi Arabia. It was described as a gift.
Syrian officials admit that the fates of Russian bases are often discussed between Damascus, and Western capitals.
In an April post on X, U.S. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson stated that Syria should "do the right thing" and do what the majority in Syria supports and remove the bases.
SANCTIONED VESSELS
LSEG data show that at Syria's Mediterranean Terminals, trade is handled through a rotating tanker fleet linked to Russia's network sanctioned or risky tankers. These vessels operate under multiple flags such as Panama, Liberia Marshall Islands, Comoros Madagascar Oman, Russia and Liberia.
According to SynMax, ship-to-ship transfer is a part of the supply chain, and it's often done near Greece, Cyprus, or Egypt.
These transfers of?oil by sea, rather than a direct unloading at port, are often used to cut transportation costs or to avoid sanctions by concealing the origin and owner of cargo.
The ship-to-ship operation indicates that the United States does not completely turn a blind-eye to these activities and that at least some of these shipments are being concealed by the Syrian and Russian authorities, said Shaar, an economist.
SynMax reports that the Albarraq Z, a ship flying the flag of the Comoros, which was sanctioned in January by the U.S. for alleged links to Iran-backed Houthi network, took on oil through three transfers at sea. The ships had left Russian port before anchoring near Tartous in Syria, where drafts from 11.9 meters to 7 metres suggested cargo 'discharge. The purpose of the transfers could not be determined.
Some vessels are linked to Iranian-linked networks of trading that Russia also uses. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned the Guinea-flagged Aether in 2025 and the Madagascar-flagged Briont in 2025 because of their links to Hossein Shamkhani's network, the son a former Iranian Supreme leader advisor.
SynMax discovered that both vessels displayed irregular tracking behavior. Aether transmitted intermittently from early January, and?Briont began broadcasting using the identity of another vessel from mid-January. This was despite their routes pointing to deliveries from Novorossiysk, to?Syria. Could not determine the cause of the intermittent location data.
One source said that Syria used these transfers partly because officials are familiar with them after being excluded from the normal shipping networks for years.
Other ships that unload in Syria seem to be more closely linked to Russian logistic. According to two separate analyses conducted by the intelligence firms Lloyd's List & Kharon, both Carma and Lynx flying Oman's flag are owned by an UAE-based company that is linked to Russia's Sovcomflot state shipping giant.
Since last year, the U.S. and EU have sanctioned the Comoros flagged Grinch – detained by France this February – for its links with Russia's oil exporting fleet from Murmansk. Could not independently verify ownership of the ships.
Noam Raydan is a maritime and energy analyst with the Washington Institute. He warned that it's not just about Syria paying for and getting its oil.
She said: "The question is, who are the sanctioned players that benefit from this trade?" (Written by Feras Dalatey; edited by Frank Jack Daniel
(source: Reuters)