Venezuela quake kills 2,595; Rubio blocks Hegseth troop cut; Vietnam GDP up 8.39%

Venezuela's Interim President Rodriguez reported that the earthquake death toll has risen to 2,595, with 189 buildings completely collapsed across affected regions. Rescue and recovery operations continue as the scale of the disaster grows. Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio blocked a Pentagon proposal to reduce American troops in Europe, prompting a six-month review of the U.S. force posture on the continent. Vietnam posted strong economic growth of 8.39% in the second quarter, and a Tibetan activist set himself on fire outside UN headquarters in New York.

Rubio Blocks Hegseth Plan to Cut U.S. Troops in Europe

Defense Hegseth's proposal to reduce U.S. troop levels in Europe was shelved after Secretary of State Marco Rubio blocked the plan, the Wall Street Journal reported. The intervention halted what would have been a significant drawdown of American military presence on the continent.

In place of the proposed cuts, the United States will conduct a six-month review of its European force posture, according to the report. The review will assess current troop deployments and strategic needs before any adjustments are made.

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 2,595

Venezuela's Interim President Rodriguez said the death toll from the earthquake has climbed to 2,595, marking a sharp rise as rescue efforts continue across affected regions. The figure underscores the growing human cost of the disaster as recovery teams work through debris.

Rodriguez also reported that the earthquake led to the complete collapse of 189 buildings. The structural failures add to the challenges facing emergency responders attempting to reach trapped residents.

Vietnam Economy Expands 8.39% in Q2

Vietnam's economy grew 8.39% in the second quarter year-on-year, the General Statistics Office reported, marking a strong growth pace for the Southeast Asian nation. The figure reflects robust economic momentum despite global headwinds.

The expansion underscores Vietnam's continued emergence as one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, driven by manufacturing, exports, and foreign investment.

Tibetan Activist Sets Himself on Fire Outside UN Headquarters

A Tibetan activist set himself on fire outside United Nations headquarters in New York. The incident drew emergency responders to the area near the UN complex.

Self-immolation has been used as a form of protest by Tibetan activists in recent years, often directed at Chinese policies in Tibet. Further details on the individual's condition and motive were not immediately available.

What to Watch

The six-month U.S. review of European force posture will be closely monitored by NATO allies concerned about American commitment to the continent. In Venezuela, rescue teams are expected to continue searching collapsed structures as the death toll may rise further. Vietnam's strong Q2 growth figures may prompt revised full-year economic forecasts from international institutions.