The Amazon rainforest, long exploited for resources like rubber, timber, and gold, is now facing a new wave of illegal activity driven by the global demand for critical minerals. These materials, essential for technologies such as electric vehicles and advanced military equipment, are fueling a surge in illicit mining operations deep within one of the world’s most vital ecosystems. Authorities in Brazil say this emerging industry is far more sophisticated than traditional sm

The Pentagon announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany, a move that would slightly reduce one of the largest U.S. military deployments overseas. Even with the reduction, more than 30,000 American service members will remain in the country, which hosts the biggest U.S. troop presence outside of Japan. Officials said the change would bring troop levels in Europe back to where they were before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The U.S. military presence in Germa