US President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States would “run” Venezuela after overnight military strikes that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump said the US would oversee the country during a transition period. “We’re going to run the country until a safe transition takes place,” he said. Trump praised the operation, calling it a powerful display of US military strength. He said Washington would not allow another leader to take over without protecting Venezuelan interests. He added that US forces would stay in the country for now.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured during a US military raid, CNN reported. The operation took place overnight at a guarded military base near Caracas. Loud explosions were heard across the city as US forces carried out the strike. US President Donald Trump later confirmed the capture on social media. He also shared a photo showing Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed in US custody. The couple were flown out of Venezuela to face charges in the United States. Venezuela accused Washington of an imperialist attack. Regional tensions remain high.

Early on January 3, 2026, at least seven powerful explosions were heard across Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, around 2 a.m. local time, accompanied by reports of low-flying aircraft overhead. Videos on social media showed smoke plumes and flashes, while parts of the city experienced power outages and residents rushed into the streets amid fear and confusion. The cause of the blasts has not been officially confirmed, but the incident unfolds amid heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with U.S. military activity in the region linked to counter-drug operations. Venezuelan authorities have not detailed responsibility, leaving speculation and global concern to grow. 

Iranians, especially youth and shopkeepers, are staging the largest protests in years, driven by an economic crisis marked by a collapsing currency, rising inflation and deteriorating living conditions. Originally sparked by economic grievances, demonstrations have spread to more than 30 cities and evolved into calls for systemic political change and the end of the clerical regime. Protesters chant anti-government slogans and express a belief there is “no future” under current leadership, urging decisive action now. Authorities have responded with a mix of dialogue offers and security deployments, while at least 10 protestors have been killed. (PC: Instagram)

World leaders responded sharply to U.S. strikes on Venezuela on January 3, 2026, which included claims the U.S. captured President Nicolás Maduro. Russia condemned the action as “armed aggression,” urging dialogue and adherence to peace in Latin America. Mexico and Uruguay denounced the strikes as violations of international law, while Britain stressed upholding legal norms. Colombia and Chile expressed deep concern and called for peaceful solutions. Spain offered to mediate, and the EU urged restraint. Conversely, Argentina’s president celebrated the offensive. Many nations highlighted the need to respect sovereignty and prevent further escalation amid rising regional tensions. (PC: X)

Khokon Chandra Das, a 50-year-old Hindu businessman from Shariatpur district in Bangladesh, died on January 3 at Dhaka’s National Burn Institute, three days after a mob assaulted him. The attackers intercepted him on December 31 near Keurbhanga Bazar as he returned home, beat him with sharp weapons, poured petrol on him and set him ablaze. Das briefly survived by jumping into a pond but suffered severe burns and multiple injuries. His family is demanding justice, and the incident has heightened fears about rising violence against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. (PC: PTI)

Swiss authorities have identified the first four victims of a catastrophic fire that tore through the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations, killing 47 people and injuring dozens more. The victims — two Swiss women (16 and 21) and two Swiss men (16 and 18) — have been returned to their families after extensive forensic work. Police say identifying more victims is slow due to severe burns. Investigators believe sparkler-style candles on champagne bottles likely triggered the blaze and continue probing safety compliance at the venue. 

The United States launched large-scale military strikes inside Venezuela, with explosions reported in Caracas and other regions early Saturday. US President Donald Trump claimed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country” following the operation. Caracas has denied knowledge of their whereabouts and demanded immediate proof of life for both leaders. Venezuela condemned the strikes as an act of aggression and declared a national emergency, urging citizens to mobilize and defend sovereignty. International alarm grew as regional leaders called for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife after overnight airstrikes on Caracas. Trump said the pair were taken into custody and flown out of the country. Explosions, fires and power cuts were reported across the capital. Residents saw low-flying aircraft and heard multiple blasts. Venezuela has not confirmed any arrests. The government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military sites and called for public mobilisation. Trump said more details would be shared later.

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)