WASHINGTON: The US has completed the first sales of Venezuelan oil that are part of a $2 billion deal reached earlier this month between Caracas and Washington, a US official told Reuters on Wednesday.
Additional sales are expected in the coming days and weeks, the official added.
Revenue from the initial oil sales — valued around $500 million — is being held in bank accounts controlled by the US government, according to an administration official, citing an order issued on Friday.
The main account is located in Qatar, according to an industry source familiar with the plan, who said the country represented a neutral venue where funds can move with US approval and without risk of seizure. Semafor first reported that the sales had been completed.
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US completes first Venezuelan oil sales valued at $500 million, US official says
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US completes first Venezuelan oil sales valued at $500 million, US official says
- Additional sales expected in coming days and weeks
- Main account located in Qatar for neutral fund movement
Ecuador deploys 10,000 soldiers to fight drug violence
- President Daniel Noboa’s government has vowed an iron-fist approach as the South American nation hits record levels of murders and other violent crimes
GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador: Ecuador on Friday deployed 10,000 soldiers in three coastal provinces to fight drug-trafficking gangs blamed for a surge in violence in the once-peaceful country.
President Daniel Noboa’s government has vowed an iron-fist approach as the South American nation hits record levels of murders and other violent crimes.
Hundreds of special forces soldiers were deployed Friday to “reinforce security operations” in the provinces of Guayas, Manabi and Los Rios, Air Force General Mario Bedoya told reporters.
Planes with military personnel were also sent to Manta, the country’s main fishing port.
Ecuador is located between the world’s two top exporters of cocaine – Colombia and Peru – and has seen a surge in violence by gangs linked to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Killings and clashes in neighborhoods and public spaces have become commonplace, and the country closed 2025 with a rate of 52 homicides per 100,000 residents – one every hour, according to the Geneva-based Organized Crime Observatory.
“Prison or hell for anyone who jeopardizes security,” the defense ministry said in a statement Friday.
Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo has instructed the military high command to operate indefinitely out of the port city of Guayaquil, where troops are inspecting seaports strategic for drug trafficking.
President Daniel Noboa’s government has vowed an iron-fist approach as the South American nation hits record levels of murders and other violent crimes.
Hundreds of special forces soldiers were deployed Friday to “reinforce security operations” in the provinces of Guayas, Manabi and Los Rios, Air Force General Mario Bedoya told reporters.
Planes with military personnel were also sent to Manta, the country’s main fishing port.
Ecuador is located between the world’s two top exporters of cocaine – Colombia and Peru – and has seen a surge in violence by gangs linked to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Killings and clashes in neighborhoods and public spaces have become commonplace, and the country closed 2025 with a rate of 52 homicides per 100,000 residents – one every hour, according to the Geneva-based Organized Crime Observatory.
“Prison or hell for anyone who jeopardizes security,” the defense ministry said in a statement Friday.
Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo has instructed the military high command to operate indefinitely out of the port city of Guayaquil, where troops are inspecting seaports strategic for drug trafficking.
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