Guyana

Azruddin Mohamed, a 38-year-old Guyanese businessman facing US extradition on gold-smuggling and money-laundering charges, has been elected as the country's opposition leader. This development is newsworthy due to his recent formation of a political party that quickly became the second-largest in Guyana. Recently, authorities have cracked down on illegal gold mining in the Amazon region, involving Guyana, with nearly 200 people arrested in a joint operation. Additionally, US forces have seized oil tankers linked to Venezuela and Russia, highlighting regional tensions and smuggling activities. Mohamed's election as opposition leader adds a personal element to these larger geopolitical issues, making his story relevant in the context of Guyanese politics and international relations.