Global Tensions Flare as US Strikes Venezuela, Captures President Maduro
World news erupted on January 3, 2026. The United States conducted a massive military strike. It targeted facilities across Venezuela. Early Saturday morning, US forces acted. They captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. His wife, Cilia Flores, was also apprehended. The operation was codenamed “Absolute Resolve.” Elite Delta Force units executed the raid. President Donald Trump ordered the mission. The captured leaders were flown to New York. They will face criminal charges there. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced this. The charges involve narco-terrorism conspiracy. An indictment was unsealed. This move follows months of intense US pressure. Washington had built up military forces. Numerous strikes targeted alleged drug boats. The US claimed Maduro’s government protected cartels. The operation mirrored past US actions. It echoed the 1990 capture of Panama’s Manuel Noriega. Trump stated the US would temporarily “run the country.” He promised to “get the oil flowing.”
Venezuela Reacts to Unprecedented Capture
Venezuela’s supreme court responded swiftly. It ordered Delcy Rodriguez to assume the presidency. Rodriguez is Maduro’s vice president. She called the capture “barbaric.” The Venezuelan government termed it an “imperialist attack.” They urged citizens to resist. The United Nations expressed alarm. Secretary-General António Guterres voiced deep concern. He worried about regional stability. Brazil’s president called it a “grave affront.” He cited a dangerous precedent. US lawmakers debated the legality. Some questioned Trump’s authority. The administration claimed Maduro was illegitimate. They said he led a criminal enterprise. The US does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction. This raises legal questions internationally. The operation’s authority under US law is also debated.
China Issues Travel Warning Amidst Crisis
China issued an urgent travel warning. Its citizens were told to halt travel to Venezuela. This followed the US military strikes. Heightened security risks were cited. China’s Foreign Ministry warned of escalating danger. It urged vigilance for citizens there. Expatriates were told to avoid high-risk areas. The embassy advised securing return travel. China expressed grave concern for safety. The advisory reflects global unease. Tensions have dramatically increased. The situation poses grave threats.
North Korea Conducts First Missile Tests of 2026
Separately, world news broke Sunday, January 4. North Korea launched ballistic missiles. These were its first tests of the new year. Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed the launches. At least two missiles were fired. They flew eastward into the Sea of Japan. The projectiles landed outside Japan’s economic zone. They traveled roughly 900 to 950 kilometers. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the action. He called it a threat to peace. South Korea also detected the launches. Its military stated they were provocative acts. These violate UN Security Council resolutions. The US military confirmed monitoring the situation. They stated no immediate threat existed. This comes after recent US military actions in Venezuela. Some analysts see a connection. The timing is noteworthy. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung was set to visit China. His summit with Xi Jinping was scheduled. Discussions might include North Korea. Pyongyang’s missile development is a constant concern. The world watches these developing events.
Global Ramifications and Future Outlook
The US operation in Venezuela carries significant implications. Experts debate its impact on international law. Some see a dangerous precedent being set. Russia may use it to justify its actions. China might cite it concerning Taiwan. However, scholars doubt China will alter its Taiwan strategy. The US plans to manage Venezuela temporarily. This includes its vital oil sector. The future of Venezuelan oil is uncertain. Stabilizing the country remains a challenge. The US military buildup in the region continues. The world is monitoring closely. The immediate aftermath shows division. Some nations condemn the US actions. Others support a transition to democracy. This news day highlights global instability. It underscores complex geopolitical dynamics. The year 2026 has started with major events. These actions will shape future international relations. The world faces interconnected challenges today. Understanding these developments is crucial for global awareness.