U.S. B-52 bombers flew alongside Japanese F-35 and F-15 fighters over the Sea of Japan, Tokyo announced Wednesday, in a pointed show of allied air power just days after Chinese and Russian aircraft conducted joint operations in the area. Japan’s defense ministry said the exercise was meant to underscore both nations’ determination to counter any coercive actions that threaten regional stability.

Cambodian troops fired Type-90B rockets near the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, launching them from a public roadside position close to civilian areas.

NATO chief Mark Rutte said Europe’s sharp rise in defense spending—with some allies nearing 5% of GDP—is driven by the need to meet alliance capability goals and confront growing military challenges from Russia and China. He said the surge represents a collective effort to bolster Europe’s readiness.

Reporter: You’ve been in hiding for many months. Do you think the government knew where you were during that time? Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado: “I don’t believe they knew. If they had, they would have done everything possible to prevent me from getting here. I want to use your question to thank all the men and women who risked their lives so that I could be here today. It was quite an experience.”

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado: “Children in Venezuela attend public school only twice a week because teachers earn just $1 a day. Our children are out on the streets.”

According to a survey conducted by the Ronald Reagan Institute, 79% of Americans view Russia as an enemy — a higher percentage than those who consider China, Iran, or Venezuela to be enemies. Another recent poll also indicated that a majority of Americans oppose a peace agreement in Ukraine that favors Russia. Yet despite these findings, President Trump remains committed to improving relations with Russia and accommodating Vladimir Putin. Sources cited by The New York Times say the latest draft of his peace plan is not substantially different from the previous one, with Trump insisting that Ukraine be pressured to give up the parts of Donbas that Putin was unable to seize on his own. For context, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation — which oversees the Institute — is, of course, an organization almost entirely aligned with Republicans, with Reagan being the most prominent modern figure of the Republican presidency.

Following today’s interception and seizure of an Iranian-linked oil tanker in the southern Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela, traders on Polymarket are already predicting a 22% chance that the United States will seize another Venezuela-linked tanker before the end of December. Earlier reporting from CBS News indicated that the Trump administration is considering additional operations similar to today’s in an effort to increase pressure on Venezuela.

Ukrainian attack drones continue to hit targets inside Russia tonight, with the PJSC Acron chemical plant in Veliky Novgorod struck just moments ago. The sprawling facility—one of Russia’s major producers of nitrate products used in explosives—is now on fire.

According to CBS News, the Iranian-linked oil tanker seized today in the southern Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela was the Guyana-flagged M/T SKIPPER. The operation took place at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday and involved two MH-60 Seahawk multi-mission helicopters carrying U.S. Special Forces, along with 10 Marines and 10 Coast Guardsmen. The M/T SKIPPER has reportedly been under U.S. Treasury sanctions since 2022 for its ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah.

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson hosted a Menorah lighting and Hanukkah reception tonight in the Rayburn Room of the U.S. Capitol, led by Rabbi Levi Shemtov. The event was attended by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and numerous other lawmakers, including Republican Reps. Craig Goldman and Randy Fine.

Speaking moments ago from the White House, President Donald J. Trump confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted and seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela today, adding, “other things are happening.”

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has formally announced and released footage of today’s seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker in the southern Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela. The operation was reportedly conducted by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Coast Guard, with support from the Department of Defense. Bondi said the tanker had been under U.S. sanctions for several years due to its role in “an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations,” transporting oil between Iran and Venezuela.

Politico: Can you rule out a ground invasion? Trump: Why would I talk to you, an extremely unfriendly publication, Politico, that got $8 million from Obama to keep it afloat? Why would I do that?

The Trump administration is preparing to require all foreign visitors to submit their social media history from the past five years as a condition for entering the United States, according to a notice published Tuesday in the Federal Register. — NBC/BBC

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday to discuss developments in the Middle East and broader security issues. Saar also raised the ICC proceedings against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, noting the steps the United States has taken in response.

The U.S. ambassador to the UN informed Israeli President Herzog that a “Peace Council” for Gaza will soon be announced as part of a Trump initiative. The plan envisions a Palestinian Authority handling civilian services, international funding for reconstruction, and a stabilization force — with the ambassador emphasizing that “Hamas will not remain in any form.”

Office of the Prime Minister of Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke a short time ago with Indian Prime Minister Modi. Following their warm and friendly conversation, the two leaders agreed to meet in the near future.

Israel has rejected Islamic Jihad’s claim that it released all hostages and provided intermediaries with intelligence to help locate Ran Gawilli. “Jihad knows where Ran is — we will not give up,” the group reportedly said. An Israeli official countered: “We have delivered a firm message. Rani’s return is a matter of great importance for implementing the agreement. Islamic Jihad’s claim is false — the responsibility lies with Hamas.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he informed the U.S. President that Germany has introduced new immigration and asylum policies, reducing asylum applications by roughly half. He added that he plans to brief the President on the results during their next meeting.

Footage shows a Ukrainian FPV drone flying directly into a Russian cargo drone loaded with ammunition, triggering a massive explosion. A drone hitting a drone — captured by yet another drone.