venezuela

Venezuela blackout: Power cuts plunge country into darkness

It's believed at least 18 of the country's 23 states have lost power.

Information Minister Jorge Rodrigues claimed the power cut was caused by an "electromagnetic attack" and officials were working to restore power.

In March Venezuela was hit by a series of power cuts, including one that affected all 23 states and lasted a week, leading to shortages and riots.

Another outage in April plunged large swathes of the country into darkness; however, that lasted hours rather than days.

Venezuela ministry takes over police in opposition state

The ministry accused Miranda's police of human rights violations and involvement in criminal networks.

The state, governed by the opposition leader Henrique Capriles, has seen some of the biggest protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Mr Capriles said the ministry's intervention was a political attack on the state.

He said the ministry was now in charge of all police activities there.

"It's clear they'll try to use the police against the people," he said.

Venezuela shocked as children arrested for soldiers' killings

The soldiers, two sergeants from the national guard, were stabbed to death near a bar in the capital, Caracas, last weekend.

The crime has shocked the country, as the ages of the children now in custody range from six to 15 years.

They are said to belong to a gang called Los Cachorros (The Puppies).

The sergeants, Yohan Borrero and Andres Ortiz, were wearing civilian clothes at the time of the attack.

They were smoking cigarettes outside the bar in the early hours of Sunday when two children approached them and stole one of their bags.

U.S. calls Venezuela's vice president an international drug trafficker

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said Tareck El Aissami has played a "significant role in international narcotics trafficking," a news release said.

"OFAC's action today is the culmination of a multi-year investigation under the Kingpin Act to target significant narcotics traffickers in Venezuela and demonstrates that power and influence do not protect those who engage in these illicit activities," said John Smith, acting director of OFAC.

Venezuela to swap highest denomination banknotes for coins

It hopes this will help to combat smuggling and tackle the chronic shortage of food and other basic items.

President Nicolas Maduro says gangs that operate in border areas will not have time to repatriate the money.

The 100-bolivar bill has lost most of its value over the past few years and is now worth about 2 cents (£0.015).

Venezuela, which is facing a serious economic and political crisis, has one of the world's highest inflation rates.

Mexico enters quarterfinals

They defeated Venezuela 3-2 in a close encounter at the Bava Park in front of 2076 supporters.

Mexico scored through Kiana Palacios and Teresa Gonzalez.

Venezuela scored both goals in the second half through Gabriela Garcia and Lourdes Moreno.

Mexico's forward, Kiana Palacios, scored a double to help her team take lead at half-time.

Mexico dominated the game, having more ball possession.

The girls in green and white made 22 attempts with 7 on target and 8 off target.

Mexico takes lead at half-time

The match is underway at the Bava Park in Port Moresby.

Mexico's forward, Kiana Palacios, scored a double to help her team take lead.

Mexico dominated the second half, having more ball possession.

The girls in green and white made 11 attempts, having three on target and four off target.

Palacios' first goal, four minutes into the game, was a superb header taken off a corner kick straight into the net, surprising Venezuela goal keeper Franyely Rodriguez.

Korea Republic and Mexico hopeful for top eight

Korea Republic will take on reigning champions and unbeaten Germany at the Sir John Guise Stadium while Mexico will play Venezuela at Bava Park. Both games kick off at 7pm local time.

Both teams currently share three points however Korea Republic is second on the ladder ahead of Mexico in third place due to the total number of goals scored so far in the tournament.

They each have registered a win and a loss so far in the tournament and played each other in their first match where Mexico left Korea Republic scoreless 2-0.

Korea Republic records first victory

Korea had reason for cheer as they recovered from an early setback to earn a spot in the Quater finals.

It was the vice captain Yeji Namgung 75th minute goal that boalstered the nil all tie after the break from a penalty to get Korea into the game.

Four minutes later Chaerin Han slots in another goal that boosted Koreas momentum to lead 2-0.

But that was not all as Seongmi Kim sealed the victory in the 89th minute with a curled right-footed effort beyond Venezuelas Keeper Franyely Rodriguez for the victory.

Germany coach: Retaining Cup won’t be easy

Germany coach Maren Meinert admitted that it’s not going to be an easy task because all teams came well prepared.

Meinert said they will take one game at a time and stay focused in order to win the tournament.

After defeating Venezuela 3-1 at their first match on Monday, Meinert said that she expected exactly the type of challenge put up by Venezuela because she knew they can play very good football.

The coach revealed that even though they’re the defending champions, they’re still a new team with different players compared to the last World Cup in Canada 2014.