Russia denounces 'excessive' US military force in Caribbean

 

Spokeswoman of Russia's Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova attends a joint press conference of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos following their meeting in Moscow, Russia October 21, 2025. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

Nov 1 (Reuters) - Russia's foreign ministry denounced on Saturday "excessive military force" by the United States in the Caribbean Sea deployed as part of a drive against drug trafficking and reaffirmed its support for Venezuela's leaders.

"We firmly denounce the use of excessive military force in carrying out actions in anti-drugs operations," foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a commentary on her ministry's website.

"Such actions are in violation of both U.S. domestic legislation ... and the norms of international law."

A U.S. campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific against what Washington says is the illegal drug trade has targeted at least 14 boats and killed 61 people.

The United States has built up a large military presence in the Caribbean in recent months, with fighter jets, warships and thousands of troops.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has occupied large swaths of territory, drawing broad international condemnation.

In her comments, Zakharova said Russia "confirms our firm support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending its national sovereignty."

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro signed a strategic partnership agreement in Moscow in May.

Maduro has repeatedly alleged that the United States is hoping to drive him from power.

Reporting by Reuters Editing by Rod Nickel

Shakib in betting site advertisement again

Shakib Al Hasan was once again seen in a betting site advertisement. After his controversial argument with 'Bet Winner News', he stepped back from that path, but this time an advertisement for another betting company named '1xBet' has surfaced on his official Facebook page. This video was released on the very day of the IPL, which has sparked a new controversy.

Shakib has not been in international cricket since the country's political situation changed in August last year. He has also been dropped from the BCB's central contract. The star was away from both the field and advertising as he was out of the country for almost eight months. However, this time he has broken that void and returned to the betting site's campaign.

Although this does not create a problem for Shakib legally, any promotion of betting or gambling is prohibited in Bangladesh. As a result, discussions have started on whether his advertisement is targeting Bangladeshi viewers or not.

Shakib, who is currently in the United States, recently received a bowling action clearance. However, his future in the national team is still uncertain. The big question now is whether he will ever play in the Bangladesh jersey again.