The United States has carried out military strikes inside Venezuela, including near the capital Caracas, U.S. officials told CBS News and Reuters. The White House and Pentagon have not commented. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the attacks as “military aggression” and declared a national state of emergency. Caracas and other areas reported explosions, low-flying aircraft, smoke and power outages early Saturday. Maduro’s government called on citizens and loyal forces to mobilize against what it described as an assault on Venezuelan sovereignty. International reactions are emerging as neighbouring leaders discuss the incidents and the risks of wider conflict. The situation remains fluid with limited official verification. (PC: Reuters)

A Hindu businessman in Bangladesh died on Saturday after being stabbed and set on fire by a mob in Shariatpur district. Khokon Chandra Das was attacked on December 31 while returning home from his pharmacy in Damudya area. Doctors at the National Burn Institute in Dhaka said he suffered burns to about 30 per cent of his body and had severe injuries to his face and airways. He died at around 7.20 am after three days of treatment. Police said two suspects have been identified and efforts are under way to arrest them. The victim was first taken to a local hospital before being shifted to Dhaka. (PC: India Today)

Venezuela on Saturday declared a national emergency after multiple explosions were reported in the capital Caracas. Blasts were heard around 2 am local time, with smoke seen near the Fuerte Tiuna military complex and other areas. Power cuts were also reported in the southern part of the city. The government said attacks were also recorded in Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira states. President Nicolas Maduro’s administration described the incident as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States. US media cited officials who said American forces were involved. Washington has warned for weeks of action against drug groups in Venezuela. (PC: NDTV)

Several explosions were heard across Venezuela’s capital Caracas early on Saturday, with planes flying low over parts of the city. News agencies reported at least seven blasts around 2 am local time. Smoke was seen rising from the southern area near major military sites, including Fort Tiuna and the La Carlota air base. Power cuts were reported in nearby neighbourhoods as residents rushed outside. Videos shared online showed loud bangs and dark skies. The US has recently warned of possible action against President Nicolas Maduro and has increased military pressure in the region. Neither Washington nor the Venezuelan government gave an immediate comment.

A devastating fire tore through the Le Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland during New Year’s Eve celebrations, killing at least 40 people and injuring 119 others, many critically. Authorities said investigators believe sparkler-style party candles (“Bengal lights”) attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling, igniting a blaze that spread rapidly through the crowded venue. Officials are also examining whether flammable ceiling materials contributed to the rapid fire spread and if safety violations occurred. Victim identification is ongoing, and Switzerland has entered a period of national mourning. (PC: AP)  

A Buddha Air ATR 72-500 turboprop (Flight 901) carrying **51 passengers and four crew members veered off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in eastern Nepal late Friday night. The aircraft, arriving from Kathmandu, overshot the runway by about 200–300 metres and came to rest near a grassy area beside the strip, sustaining minor damage. Emergency teams from Kathmandu were dispatched, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries. Aviation authorities are investigating the cause of the runway excursion.

The FBI announced it disrupted a planned New Year’s Eve attack in Mint Hill, North Carolina, arresting 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, who officials say was inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS) and pledged loyalty to the extremist group. Sturdivant was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after allegedly communicating his plans to undercover agents posing as ISIS associates. Authorities found a handwritten “New Years Attack 2026” plan and weapons at his home. The suspected target locations included a grocery store and fast-food restaurant, and the plot was prevented before any violence occurred. (PC: AP)

At least 20 fighters from the Southern Transitional Council were killed in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen on Friday, group officials said. The attacks hit military camps in Al-Khasha and Seiyun in Hadramout province. Witnesses said the strikes also hit Seiyun airport, halting flights for more than a day. The raids came after pro-Saudi forces moved to take control of military sites in the area. The UAE said its last troops had left Yemen and called for calm. The STC accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes despite claims of a peaceful operation. Saudi sources said the strikes would continue unless STC forces withdraw from the two provinces. (PC: HT)

Families are waiting for news after a deadly fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, early on New Year’s Day. Sixteen-year-old Achille Barosi is still missing. His aunt said the family only wants to find him. Arthur Brodard’s parents are also searching. His mother said she fears he may be in critical care or among the dead. Officials said 40 people were killed and 119 injured. Of the injured, 113 have been identified, including Swiss, French and Italian citizens. Local leaders said the wait for answers is very hard. Investigators believe sparklers near the ceiling may have caused the blaze. (PC: BBC)

Saudi Arabia carried out air strikes on UAE-backed separatist forces in southern Yemen on Friday, killing at least seven people, according to local officials. The raids hit a camp used by the Southern Transitional Council in Hadramawt. The attack followed a 24-hour deadline by the Yemeni government asking the UAE to leave the country. Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s recognised government, while the UAE backs the STC, which seeks control of parts of the south. The STC had recently taken several military sites in the region. Riyadh said its forces would continue operations until the separatists withdraw from Hadramawt and Mahra. The UAE has rejected claims that it is sending weapons to the group. (PC: India Today)