El Salvador to send detained Venezuelans home in swap for Americans, sources say
By Aram Roston and Ted Hesson
El Salvador's government will send detained Venezuelans home in exchange for Americans held in Venezuela, two U.S. government officials told Reuters on Friday, as Venezuela announced the return of seven migrant children who had been separated from their families.
One of the officials said El Salvador would send 238 Venezuelans held in its maximum security CECOT prison to Caracas and that the Venezuelan government would release five U.S. citizens and five U.S. permanent residents to American custody.
The second official confirmed the exchange was taking place and said the figures appeared to be close to what was expected.
Some family members of migrants held at CECOT said they received calls from the Venezuelan government to come to Caracas.
Venezuela's Communications Ministry and El Salvador's presidency did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the possible exchange.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and First Lady Cilia Flores said seven migrant children who had been separated from their families and kept in U.S. care had been sent home on a deportation flight that brought more than 200 migrants from Texas to Maiquetia airport near Caracas.
Cabello said the children had been "rescued" and cheered their return, after saying earlier there were 32 migrant children in the U.S. who had been separated from their families.
There would be "more movement" later in the afternoon and other arrivals, Cabello added, without providing more details.
The U.S. State Department declined to comment. The White House and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Venezuelans were sent to El Salvador in March after President Donald Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to swiftly deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang without going through normal immigration procedures.
Family members of many of the Venezuelans and their lawyers deny they had gang ties, and say they were not given a chance to contest the Trump administration's allegations in court.
Venezuela's government has always decried the CECOT detention of its citizens as a violation of human rights and international law. But the government's critics say the country holds activists and opposition figures in similar conditions in Venezuela.
The return of Americans held in Venezuela is a priority, Richard Grenell, a Trump envoy, has said.
Grenell visited Caracas in January, returning with six Americans who had been held in Venezuela, and in May flew back to the U.S. from the Caribbean island of Antigua with Joseph St. Clair, who had also been detained in Venezuela.
© Thomson Reuters 2025.
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The Mainichi
an hour ago
- The Mainichi
Bill Emmott: Japan should lead regional collaboration to cope with Trump 'typhoon'
By Bill Emmott, independent writer, lecturer and international affairs consultant During all the decades of the U.S.-Japan security alliance, which has been one of the closest security partnerships anywhere in the world, Japan has had to worry about two contradictory dangers: abandonment and entrapment. Abandonment would involve Japan's interests being ignored by its partner amid a deal with one of its enemies; entrapment would mean being forced to fight alongside the United States in a war chosen by the Americans but not by the Japanese. These worries about extreme outcomes have tended to alternate, depending on the political mood in Washington, DC, at the time. Yet currently Japan finds itself worrying about both abandonment and entrapment simultaneously. This may be as good a sign as any that the Trump administration represents a sharp break with the postwar past. The entrapment fear has always felt the likelier danger. It has now reared its head again in a surprising way, as senior US defence officials have been reported to have been pressing Japan and Australia to make explicit commitments about whether they would fight to defend Taiwan in the event of an attempted Chinese invasion or coercion. The surprise is that American officials are pressing such close allies for an explicit commitment when not even the United States itself, and especially not its Commander in Chief, President Donald Trump, has made its own intentions clear. This is not a total break with recent American administrations, but it does put Japan in a potentially awkward position. During the Biden administration a mutual concern over the security and stability of Taiwan did begin to feature in the US-Japan communiques issued after meetings between the Japanese prime minister and the U.S. president, showing that some sort of explicit commitment to working together to preserve the status quo was being sought by the United States. However, that is not the same, at least not politically the same, as actually committing yourself to fight a future war, in circumstances that cannot be predicted and without knowing what America's own stance would be. To do so would be politically extremely difficult, especially for a government that currently lacks a majority in the Diet. Beyond domestic politics, the immediate risk would not be of a war itself but rather of such a commitment causing a further worsening of Japan's relations with China, to no obvious purpose. Abandonment has always looked the less likely of the twin dangers, for having Japan as its largest overseas military base has mattered so much to America and its regional presence in the Indo-Pacific that the idea of it deserting its Japanese ally has looked implausible. This remains true, especially given the emphasis being laid by leading figures in the Pentagon and the Republican Party on the contest with China for both regional and global supremacy. However, President Trump is well known to be highly transactional, especially in foreign policy. He has also indicated a strong sympathy for the very 19th century idea that great powers are entitled to have "spheres of influence" in the areas around their own borders. He has, for example, expressed a determination that America should gain control over Greenland, the icy territory that is part of Denmark but adjacent to the north-east coast of the United States, has declared that Canada should become the U.S.'s "51st State," and has insisted the U.S. should regain control over the Panama Canal. This makes it conceivable, even if still improbable, that at some point Trump could be tempted to accept Chinese control over its "sphere" of Taiwan and the South China Sea in return for China accepting US control over territories in its region. That would give China control over the main sea lanes surrounding Japan and a greatly increased ability to intimidate other countries in the region, including Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. This is, admittedly, a rather extreme scenario. The identification by most members of Trump's Republican Party of China as America's leading global adversary, and the strong support for Taiwan held by those same Republicans, makes it feel especially unlikely. Yet the fact that the idea of such a "grand bargain" with China is talked about at all simply underlines how unpredictable is the foreign policy of this American president, with the range of actions and outcomes during the remaining three and a half years of his term looking wider than under any U.S. president in living memory. The governments of every longstanding ally of the United States are having to live with this uncertainty, one which reflects a broader question: using a meteorological metaphor, does Trump represent a temporary extreme-weather event, like an especially severe typhoon, or does he represent climate change, a trend that will endure? The safest answer is that he is a bit of both: his extreme volatility and hostile manner can be seen as personal and thus temporary, but some of the ideas he is purveying have a broader resonance in the United States that could persist after he is gone. The central role that America plays in the security of the Indo-Pacific gives Japan little choice other than to adapt to whatever extreme weather emerges from Washington, DC. The more forward-leaning stance Japan has taken on defence, first under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and then with the new National Security Strategy under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in 2022, has had the dual purpose of increasing Japan's contribution to joint deterrence operations with America and creating more long-term options for national security in case relations with Washington become more fractured. Continuing and even enhancing this strategy remains Japan's only viable plan. What Japan could perhaps invest even more time in is in its already impressive diplomatic efforts in north-east and south-east Asia. To cope with the Trump "typhoon" and to increase Japan's own leverage over Washington at any time of crisis, it makes sense to work more closely with other countries that face the same pressures, starting with South Korea but also extending south to Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan itself. All these countries are facing hostility from Trump over trade while also needing to invest more in their own security and economic resilience, in a region in which the two superpowers, China and the U.S., are both unavoidable presences but also habitual bullies. It therefore makes sense to work together on trade, technology, security and other issues as much as possible, to increase bargaining power as well as resilience. Japan has a key role, as well as opportunity, to drive this regional collaboration. The contradictory fears of entrapment and abandonment can never be eliminated, but through collaboration they can perhaps be mitigated.
Nikkei Asia
2 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
Thai-Cambodia clashes live: Trump seeks ceasefire, calls both sides
BANGKOK -- Military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia entered a second day on Friday, leaving "more than 20 deaths" in Thailand, according to the acting Thai prime minister, and one civilian dead in Cambodia. More than 130,000 people have been evacuated in Thailand, while Thai financial institutions with branches in Cambodia are gradually repatriating staff. Here are recent Nikkei Asia analysis and opinion articles on the crisis: - With war in mind, Thai military rolls out battle plans on Cambodia front - Cambodia seeks justice, not conflict, in border dispute with Thailand - Hun Sen's gamble: Why Cambodia ex-ruler turned on Thai ally Thaksin Follow the latest developments in this live blog. (Thailand and Cambodia time) For Thursday's developments, visit our previous live blog. July 26 10:45 p.m. U.S. President Donald Trump says he is seeking a ceasefire to the conflict, making calls to the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia. "I have just spoken to the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, and it was a very good conversation. Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE," Trump posts on Truth Social, adding he will relay the message to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. "After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!" Trump writes. July 25 9:17 p.m. Col. Richa Suksuwanont, deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, announces a total loss of six military personnel, as of 8 p.m., during national defense operations in the clashes that broke out July 24. 8:33 p.m. The Thai government "agrees with in principle and will consider" Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's mediation effort for a ceasefire, but "any ceasefire must be based on appropriate on-the-ground conditions," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says in a social media post. It claims that Cambodian forces have continued attacks on Thai territory and their actions "demonstrate a lack of good faith." 8:30 p.m. Thailand declares martial law for eight districts in provinces of Chanthaburi and Trat, both near the Cambodia border, effective immediately. "This action has become unavoidably necessary to mobilize military, police, civilian forces, and the Thai public to defend the country from external threats to the Kingdom," the statement said. Martial law is implemented in Trat province's Khao Saming district and the following districts in Chanthaburi province: Mueang Chanthaburi, Tha Mai, Makham, Laem Sing, Kaeng Hang Maeo, Na Yai Am and Khao Khitchakut. 5:45 p.m. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet posts on social media about his position on the call for an immediate ceasefire, which was suggested by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Thai and Cambodian leaders on Thursday. "Cambodia agreed with his proposal for a ceasefire because Cambodia did not initiate this fighting," he said. According to Hun Manet, he received an initial response that the Thai side had agreed to his proposal for a ceasefire at midnight. "However, it is regrettable that just over an hour later, the Thai side informed that they had reversed their position from agreeing to the ceasefire at 12:00 AM on 24 July 2025, to not agreeing and waiting for a later date," he said. 5:20 p.m. At a news conference, Cambodia's Ministry of Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata detailed three separate attacks reported from the front lines. She said that Thailand had made four F-16 strikes at around noon near the ancient Preah Vihear temple complex and another contested temple site, Ta Krabei. Additionally, Thai strikes had hit Samraong town in Oddar Meanchey province, injuring children and elderly people. "The most regretful thing is that it affected children. In addition, it has completely destroyed the electricity grid in Samraong," she said. She added that four munitions had landed at the Monorom Primary School in Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province, citing information from the Education Ministry. 4:20 p.m. The Thai Red Cross Society has launched a nationwide blood donation campaign. The drive is to replenish blood reserves and essential supplies for hospitals in the border regions affected by recent clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces. 3:10 p.m. Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts briefed members of the Preah Vihear temple's governing body, detailing the damage incurred after Thai armed forces allegedly used "heavy artillery" and "bombs from F-16s" at the heritage site and surrounding areas. This included visible damage to four entranceways at the temple and other structures at the site. The ministry also released photos and a map of the site where damage had occurred. 2:30 p.m. Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree called Cambodia's allegations that Preah Vihear Temple was damaged due to Thai attacks "a clear distortion of the facts." "The Preah Vihear Temple was not within the direction or scope of Thai military operations," Winthai said in a statement. He made the comment after Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said Thursday that Thailand's "aggression" has "caused significant damage to both the surrounding area and the structures" of the UNESCO World Heritage site. 2:05 p.m. Indonesian State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said he hoped that the Thai-Cambodia tensions will not intensify as it could have wider repercussions, including on Indonesia. He added, though, that the government would refrain from commenting on domestic political situations of other countries. About 166,000 Indonesians work in Cambodia and more than 2,300 live in Thailand, so the Indonesian foreign ministry is monitoring the situation closely. "We will ensure the safety of our citizens. And if anything happens, we have mitigation measures in place," Hadi said. 1:50 p.m. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, the spokesperson of Thailand's ad hoc center for the border said the Ministry of Interior has now evacuated more than 130,000 civilians from Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon-Ratchathani provinces. "The provinces have established evacuation shelters capable of accommodating over 300,000 people and deployed village security units to ensure the safety of civilians in various areas," he said. He added the Ministry of Public Health has evacuated 11 hospitals. 1:10 p.m. Thai financial institutions with branches in Cambodia are gradually repatriating staff, according to the Bank of Thailand's Assistant Governor Suwannee Jatsadasak. "All of them are expected to return by today," she said, adding that some branches in the border provinces have been closed. "As for impacts to Thailand, uncertainty remains in many dimensions, and it is too soon to make assessments. BOT will continue to monitor the situation closely," she said. 1 p.m. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson of Thailand's ad hoc center for the border situation, told reporters that as of 8:30 a.m., the Cambodian forces continued to use heavy weapons to attack the front lines and rear areas, affecting civilians. Clashes have been reported in 12 locations, according to Surasant. 12:40 p.m. Thailand's Interior Ministry said it had evacuated 100,672 civilians from the four provinces affected by the cross-border clashes with Cambodia. A total of 56,000 people were moved in Surin province, 17,196 in Sisaket, 17,000 in Buriram and 10,476 people in Ubon Ratchathari. 12:30 p.m. The Thai armed forces said it believes Hun Sen, the former Cambodian prime minister, is behind the attack on civilian targets, calling for international organizations to investigate. "Targeting civilians with intent is a war crime, and those responsible must be brought to justice," Maj. Gen. Vithai Laithomya, spokesperson of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, said in a statement. "Based on the available evidence, it is believed that the Cambodian government, led by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, is behind these heartbreaking attacks." 12:15 p.m. The contested areas on the Thai-Cambodia border are in the Thai provinces of Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon-Ratchathani and the Cambodian provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vinear. Two of the biggest flashpoints are the Prasat Ta Moan Thom and Preah Vihear temples. 11:25 a.m. Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai told reporters that he had received reports of "more than 20 deaths" and several people severely injured. He also talked about his conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who spoke to the leaders of both sides calling for an immediate ceasefire, on Thursday evening. "I told him I'm OK with it in principle. But to specify [the] exact time and date, I ask Cambodia first to prove their intention that they really mean it," he said. "We've been adhering to the principle of peace and trying to request negotiation, but they never cared, and it is us who always proposed... conditions. It shows their lack of sincerity." 11:20 a.m. The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) released a statement Friday saying that ground reports from local authorities and demining teams showed that Thailand had used cluster munitions in populated areas around Phnom Khmuoch, near the border. "The use of cluster munitions -- especially in or near civilian areas -- is an unacceptable escalation. It shows complete disregard for human life, humanitarian principles and regional peace," said Ly Thuch, vice president of the CMAA. Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata reiterated the accusation at a press conference and claimed it demonstrated Thailand's willingness to break international law. Thailand and Cambodia are not parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production, use and stockpiling of cluster munitions. 10:15 a.m. Indonesia's foreign ministry said that the country was closely following the development. "We are confident that the two neighboring countries will immediately return to peaceful means to settle their differences in line with the principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation," it said in a social media post. 10 a.m. Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Chhum Socheat said on Friday that firing continued overnight but the intensity of shelling was less than the previous day. He also claimed that the Thai military was using surveillance drones in Preah Vihear province. "At around 2 a.m., shots were fired from both sides along the border," Socheat said. "There has been an exchange of fire from last night until this morning. Our soldiers are in control and protecting all areas, but the Thais are still trying to fly drones to shoot at our areas." Chhum Socheat did not comment on whether there were any casualties among civilians and military personnel. However, Met Measpheakdey, deputy governor of Oddar Meanchey province -- where firing was reported on Thursday -- said one civilian was killed and five others injured. Thailand's Second Army Area, which is leading the fighting along the Thai border, also said clashes continued on Friday. 7:50 a.m. The deputy spokesperson of Thailand's Ministry of Health, Varoth Chotpitayasunondh, has posted updated Thai casualty figures on his Facebook account. He said 13 civilians and one soldier were killed and 32 civilians and 14 soldiers injured.
Kyodo News
6 hours ago
- Kyodo News
Japan, U.S. ministers reached trade agreement in mid-June: sources
TOKYO - Japan's chief negotiator reached an agreement with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in mid-June on a deal offering massive Japanese investment in the United States in exchange for a reduction in tariffs, sources close to the matter said Saturday. Over the following month, Japan focused on convincing U.S. President Donald Trump through Lutnick of the advantages of the agreement, with the proposal of expanding imports of U.S.-grown rice used as the final bargaining chip. The trade deal, announced by Trump on July 23, includes tariffs on Japanese cars set at 15 percent -- lower than the 27.5 percent that was to have been levied -- in exchange for $550 billion of Japanese investment in the United States. During the course of the negotiations, which spanned around three months from mid-April, Japan identified Lutnick as the only person who could communicate "directly and on a deep level" with Trump due to their close friendship of over 30 years, and directed its efforts on him, according to one of the sources. Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's chief tariff negotiator, built trust with Lutnick not only through in-person talks but also through dozens of phone calls, the source said. Believing that Lutnick placed a high priority on economic security amid China concerns, Japan emphasized its willingness to contribute to strengthening U.S. domestic supply chains and eventually reached an understanding with him. Trump, however, maintained a hardline stance even in late June, venting frustration that Japan does not import significant amounts of American cars and rice. "I'm not sure we're going to make a deal. I doubt it," he had said, while demanding additional concessions in exchange for lowering tariffs. The tide turned on July 22 immediately following Japan's upper house election. A sudden meeting was arranged for the following day between Trump and Akazawa, who was in Washington for an eighth round of talks. Akazawa and Lutnick began to "rehearse" in preparation for the talks, with Lutnick suggesting that a total investment of $400 billion be proposed in the expectation that Trump would ask for $500 billion. A board was prepared by U.S. officials to clearly show Trump how much Japan would investment. But Trump demanded even more, leaving Akazawa no choice but to agree to $550 billion. A senior official of the prime minister's office acknowledged that the deal does not align with World Trade Organization rules or the Japan-U.S. trade agreement that took effect in January 2020, but also conceded that Trump "is a president who genuinely believes in protecting his country through tariffs."
