Pence urges strong stand on Venezuela

WASHINGTON— The Trump administration called on Latin American and Caribbean nations Monday to take bold moves against Venezuela that will make allies squirm, including kicking the crisis-ridden country out of the region’s main diplomatic body and launching money-laundering probes of Venezuelan officials in their countries.

Vice President Mike Pence delivered the challenge during a speech to ambassadors of more than 30 nations at a special meeting of the Organization of American States, the United Nations-like organization for the Western Hemisphere.

The message marks a turning point for the Trump administration, which has been careful not to dictate actions against the government of President Nicolas Maduro and instead encourage them to do what they can. But on Monday, Mr. Pence ratcheted up the language, making specific requests and charging that it was time to do more to help the Venezuelan people.

Hezbollah wins seats

BEIRUT — Hezbollah and its political allies expanded their share of seats in Lebanon’s Parliament, increasing their political clout at the expense of the country’s Western-backed prime minister, according to preliminary election results released Monday.

The outcome of Lebanon’s first parliamentary elections in nine years shored up Hezbollah’s position in a way that is likely to alarm the U.S., Israel and Gulf Arab nations like Saudi Arabia.

Iran backs Hezbollah, a political party and militant group that maintains Lebanon’s most powerful military force and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States. Iran has also invested in allies in Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

The election’s biggest blow was to the movement led by Prime Minister Saad Hariri, an ally of the West.

Boko Haram captives

ABUJA, Nigeria — More than 1,000 people held captive in Nigeria by the terrorist group Boko Haram have been rescued, according to the Nigerian military.

Those freed consisted of women, children, and youngmen who were forced to fight with Boko Haram, military spokesman Brigadier General Texas Chukwu said.