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‘The United States will reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere’. This is a line from the US National Security Strategy document, so nobody can confidently state there was no warning. And in the wee hours, the US forces, on orders of President Trump, moved into Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. His authoritarian regime has been highlighted time and again; with that, even fraudulent elections have been a point of agitation among the masses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many protesters have also been jailed in the country for voicing their opinion against Maduro’s authoritarian rule. Amid the collapsing economy, majority in the country wanted Maduro out of power. But Donald Trump has never suggested that international law or multilateral norms hold any relevance for him. This military action was not about restoring democracy. In a rambling press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump openly declared that the United States would “run the country,” effectively announcing an occupation with no legal basis. He repeatedly referenced Venezuela’s oil reserves, saying American companies would now be “very much involved.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-election-talks-premature-rubio-says-us-focused-on-policy-changes-united-states-marco-rubio-america-caracas-maduro-1767545637894">Venezuela election talk ‘premature’: Rubio says US ready to work with current leaders if they make ‘right decision’</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The document highlights, “Western Hemisphere is home to many strategic resources that America should partner with regional allies to develop, to make neighbouring countries as well as our own more prosperous. The National Security Council will immediately begin a robust interagency process to task agencies, supported by our Intelligence Community’s analytical arm, to identify strategic points and resources in the Western Hemisphere with a view to their protection and joint development with regional partners.”

US National Security Strategy document, highlights, “Western Hemisphere is home to many strategic resources that America should partner with regional allies to develop, to make neighbouring countries as well as our own more prosperous."

‘The United States will reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere’. This is a line from the US National Security Strategy document, so nobody can confidently state there was no warning. And in the wee hours, the US forces, on orders of President Trump, moved into Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. His authoritarian regime has been highlighted time and again; with that, even fraudulent elections have been a point of agitation among the masses. Many protesters have also been jailed in the country for voicing their opinion against Maduro’s authoritarian rule. Amid the collapsing economy, majority in the country wanted Maduro out of power. But Donald Trump has never suggested that international law or multilateral norms hold any relevance for him. This military action was not about restoring democracy. In a rambling press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump openly declared that the United States would “run the country,” effectively announcing an occupation with no legal basis. He repeatedly referenced Venezuela’s oil reserves, saying American companies would now be “very much involved.” Also read: Venezuela election talk ‘premature’: Rubio says US ready to work with current leaders if they make ‘right decision’ The document highlights, “Western Hemisphere is home to many strategic resources that America should partner with regional allies to develop, to make neighbouring countries as well as our own more prosperous. The National Security Council will immediately begin a robust interagency process to task agencies, supported by our Intelligence Community’s analytical arm, to identify strategic points and resources in the Western Hemisphere with a view to their protection and joint development with regional partners.”

US National Security Strategy document, highlights, “Western Hemisphere is home to many strategic resources that America should partner with regional allies to develop, to make neighbouring countries as well as our own more prosperous."

After Venezuela, what's on Trump administration's agenda? Details on US National Security Strategy

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (Jan 04) said that talks of holding elections after the ouster of Nicolas Maduro are "premature" at the moment and that Washington remains focused on ensuring that the remaining Venezuelan leadership follows the favourable policy directions of America. Rubio made these remarks a day after the US military's "Operation Absolute Resolve" that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas. "All of that, I think, is premature at this point," Rubio said in an NBC's &nbsp;"Meet the Press" interview.&nbsp;"What we are focused on right now is all of the problems we had when Maduro was there. We still have those problems in terms of them needing to be addressed. We are going to give people an opportunity to address those challenges and those problems," he said.&nbsp;The senior Trump aide described now deposed Maduro as "an illegitimate president" and emphasised that the media should refrain from calling him "President Maduro." &nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-summons-emergency-session-after-us-military-action-in-venezuela-captures-maduro-donald-trump-cuba-pete-hegseth-united-nations-1767535471495">UNSC summons emergency session after US military action in Venezuela</a>&nbsp;"Maduro is not just an indicted drug trafficker; he was an illegitimate president. He was not the head of state. I continue to see these media reports referring to him as 'President Maduro' and the 'head of state.' He was not the head of state," he added.&nbsp;When asked about Washington's readiness to work with the Venezuelan president post Maduro Rubio said the US is deliberating on the actions of the Caracas leadership "We're going to judge everything by what they do, and we're going to see what they do," Rubio told CBS News' "Face the Nation" program.&nbsp;Venezuela's military on Sunday recognised Delcy Rodriguez, deputy to ousted president Nicolas Maduro, as the country's acting leader, after US forces extracted the former head of state to face trial.

Venezuela's military on Sunday recognised Delcy Rodriguez, deputy to ousted president Nicolas Maduro, as the country's acting leader. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (Jan 04) said that talks of holding elections after the ouster of Nicolas Maduro are "premature" at the moment and that Washington remains focused on ensuring that the remaining Venezuelan leadership follows the favourable policy directions of America. Rubio made these remarks a day after the US military's "Operation Absolute Resolve" that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas. "All of that, I think, is premature at this point," Rubio said in an NBC's "Meet the Press" interview. "What we are focused on right now is all of the problems we had when Maduro was there. We still have those problems in terms of them needing to be addressed. We are going to give people an opportunity to address those challenges and those problems," he said. The senior Trump aide described now deposed Maduro as "an illegitimate president" and emphasised that the media should refrain from calling him "President Maduro." Also Read: UNSC summons emergency session after US military action in Venezuela "Maduro is not just an indicted drug trafficker; he was an illegitimate president. He was not the head of state. I continue to see these media reports referring to him as 'President Maduro' and the 'head of state.' He was not the head of state," he added. When asked about Washington's readiness to work with the Venezuelan president post Maduro Rubio said the US is deliberating on the actions of the Caracas leadership "We're going to judge everything by what they do, and we're going to see what they do," Rubio told CBS News' "Face the Nation" program. Venezuela's military on Sunday recognised Delcy Rodriguez, deputy to ousted president Nicolas Maduro, as the country's acting leader, after US forces extracted the former head of state to face trial.

Venezuela's military on Sunday recognised Delcy Rodriguez, deputy to ousted president Nicolas Maduro, as the country's acting leader.&nbsp;

Venezuela election talk ‘premature’: Rubio says US ready to work with current leaders if they make ‘right decision’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that the “Cuban government is a huge problem” while replying to a question about whether the Trump administration’s next target is the government in Cuba. On being further asked to clarify if his comment meant yes, Rubio said, “I think they’re in a lot of trouble.”“Yes,” he added during an interview with NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press’&nbsp;“I’m not going to talk to you about what our future steps are going to be and what our policies are going to be right now in this regard. But I don’t think it’s any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime.”&nbsp;Rubio also tried to validate the US military action in Venezuela on Saturday by saying that the most important thing for the Trump administration is the “safety, security, well-being, and prosperity of the United States.”&nbsp;Rubio said Venezuela will continue to face pressure from the US until it addresses the problems they had under Maduro, and which still exist.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-control-of-venezuelan-oil-could-unblock-india-s-1-billion-dues-1767529940731">US control of Venezuelan oil could unblock India’s $1 billion dues</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>: The &quot;experts&quot; are clowns. Venezuela looks nothing like Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, or the Middle East — other than the Iranian agents running through there plotting against America. These are Western countries. People need to stop ascribing apples to oranges. <a href="https://t.co/QeotP0YPwq">pic.twitter.com/QeotP0YPwq</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007830531136704558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Slamming critics of the military operation, the secretary said that Venezuela looks nothing like Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, or the Middle East, other than the Iranian agents running through there, plotting against America.“These are Western countries. People need to stop ascribing apples to oranges,” Rubio added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-bar-fire-police-identify-16-more-victims-many-teenagers-among-the-dead-1767523793903">Swiss bar fire: Police identify 16 more victims, many teenagers among the dead</a>&nbsp;“It’s very simple... Under the Trump administration, we are not going to have a country like Venezuela in our own hemisphere, in the sphere of control and the crossroads for Hezbollah, for Iran, and for every other malign influence in the world. That’s just not going to exist,” he stressed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a>: &quot;It&#39;s very simple... Under the Trump Admin, we are not going to have a country like Venezuela in our own hemisphere in the sphere of control and the crossroads for Hezbollah, for Iran, and for every other malign influence in the world. That&#39;s just not going to exist.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/v8yX2aCZJ2">pic.twitter.com/v8yX2aCZJ2</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007844437515211168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-maduro-had-his-chances-he-effed-around-and-he-found-out-pete-hegseth-1767470111124">‘Maduro had his chances, he effed around, and he found out’: Pete Hegseth</a><h2>‘US will continue striking drug boats, seizing sanctioned ships’</h2>&nbsp;The Secretary of State said that the US would continue to strike suspected drug boats and seize sanctioned boats (oil tankers) to pressure Venezuela to address problems.“We are at war against drug trafficking organizations, it’s not a war against Venezuela,” he said.“We will continue to target drug boats if they try to run towards the United States,” he said. “We will continue to seize the boats that are sanctioned with court orders. We will continue to do that, and potentially other things, until the things we need to see addressed are addressed.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-run-venezuela-till-safe-proper-transition-us-firms-will-invest-make-money-for-it-trump-1767466598390">‘We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition; US firms will invest, make money for it’: Trump</a><h2>‘US does not have forces on the ground in Venezuela’</h2>&nbsp;On being asked how many US troops are there in Venezuela, Rubio said the US does not have forces on the ground now.“We don’t have US forces on the ground,” he said, adding that forces were in Venezuela “for about two hours when they went to capture Maduro.”&nbsp;Also Read: Dhaka cops arrest 3 for brutal murder of Hindu businessman Khokon Das

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio lso tried to validate the US military action in Venezuela on Saturday by saying that the most important thing for the Trump administration is the “safety, security, well-being, and prosperity of the United States.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that the “Cuban government is a huge problem” while replying to a question about whether the Trump administration’s next target is the government in Cuba. On being further asked to clarify if his comment meant yes, Rubio said, “I think they’re in a lot of trouble.” “Yes,” he added during an interview with NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press’ “I’m not going to talk to you about what our future steps are going to be and what our policies are going to be right now in this regard. But I don’t think it’s any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime.” Rubio also tried to validate the US military action in Venezuela on Saturday by saying that the most important thing for the Trump administration is the “safety, security, well-being, and prosperity of the United States.” Rubio said Venezuela will continue to face pressure from the US until it addresses the problems they had under Maduro, and which still exist. Also Read: US control of Venezuelan oil could unblock India’s $1 billion dues

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio lso tried to validate the US military action in Venezuela on Saturday by saying that the most important thing for the Trump administration is the “safety, security, well-being, and prosperity of the United States.”

‘Cuban government is a huge problem,’ says Marco Rubio, hints it may be next target

Bangladesh’s security force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), arrested three people on Sunday in connection with the brutal murder of Hindu businessman Khokon Das in Shariatpur. The arrests were made in an overnight operation carried out by RAB teams in Kishoreganj, shared the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. The accused, identified as Sohag, Rabbi, and Palash, were detained around 1 am from the Bajitpur area. The operation was led by ASP Shahjahan of RAB-14’s CPC-2 unit, it said.&nbsp;Khokon Das, 50, was a pharmacy owner and a bKash mobile banking agent in Keherbhanga Bazaar. On the night of December 31, he was returning home after closing his shop when he was attacked near the Tilai area, close to his residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-control-of-venezuelan-oil-could-unblock-india-s-1-billion-dues-1767529940731">US control of Venezuelan oil could unblock India’s $1 billion dues</a>&nbsp;Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan said Das was assaulted by three to four attackers armed with sharp weapons. He sustained multiple injuries and the cash he was carrying was also robbed by the assailants.&nbsp;&nbsp;On realising that he had recognised some of them, the attackers poured petrol on his body and face and set him on fire in an attempt to kill him. Local residents rushed to the spot on hearing his screams, following which the attackers fled. Das was taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital in a critical condition, but when his condition worsened, he was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later to the National Burn Institute, where he died on Saturday, January 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-bar-fire-police-identify-16-more-victims-many-teenagers-among-the-dead-1767523793903">Swiss bar fire: Police identify 16 more victims, many teenagers among the dead</a>&nbsp;SP Rawnak Jahan said Das had mentioned the names of the accused before his death.&nbsp;Police said the arrested men are known in the area for criminal activities and drug abuse. Further investigation is under way.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-maduro-had-his-chances-he-effed-around-and-he-found-out-pete-hegseth-1767470111124">‘Maduro had his chances, he effed around, and he found out’: Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;The killing of Khokon Das has sparked concern amid reports of recent violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Rights groups and community leaders have called for strict action against the perpetrators and stronger measures to ensure the safety of minorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last month, Dipu Chandra Das, a local garment factory worker, was beaten to death by a mob, and his body was set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district.

On realising that Khokon Das had recognised some of them, the attackers poured petrol on his body and face and set him on fire in an attempt to kill him. Local residents rushed to the spot on hearing his screams, following which the attackers fled.

Bangladesh’s security force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), arrested three people on Sunday in connection with the brutal murder of Hindu businessman Khokon Das in Shariatpur. The arrests were made in an overnight operation carried out by RAB teams in Kishoreganj, shared the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. The accused, identified as Sohag, Rabbi, and Palash, were detained around 1 am from the Bajitpur area. The operation was led by ASP Shahjahan of RAB-14’s CPC-2 unit, it said. Khokon Das, 50, was a pharmacy owner and a bKash mobile banking agent in Keherbhanga Bazaar. On the night of December 31, he was returning home after closing his shop when he was attacked near the Tilai area, close to his residence. Also Read: US control of Venezuelan oil could unblock India’s $1 billion dues Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan said Das was assaulted by three to four attackers armed with sharp weapons. He sustained multiple injuries and the cash he was carrying was also robbed by the assailants. On realising that he had recognised some of them, the attackers poured petrol on his body and face and set him on fire in an attempt to kill him. Local residents rushed to the spot on hearing his screams, following which the attackers fled. Das was taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital in a critical condition, but when his condition worsened, he was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later to the National Burn Institute, where he died on Saturday, January 3. Also Read: Swiss bar fire: Police identify 16 more victims, many teenagers among the dead SP Rawnak Jahan said Das had mentioned the names of the accused before his death. Police said the arrested men are known in the area for criminal activities and drug abuse. Further investigation is under way. Also Read: ‘Maduro had his chances, he effed around, and he found out’: Pete Hegseth The killing of Khokon Das has sparked concern amid reports of recent violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Rights groups and community leaders have called for strict action against the perpetrators and stronger measures to ensure the safety of minorities. Last month, Dipu Chandra Das, a local garment factory worker, was beaten to death by a mob, and his body was set on fire in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district.

On realising that Khokon Das had recognised some of them, the attackers poured petrol on his body and face and set him on fire in an attempt to kill him. Local residents rushed to the spot on hearing his screams, following which the attackers fled.

Dhaka cops arrest 3 for brutal murder of Hindu businessman Khokon Das

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to convene an emergency meeting on Monday (Dec 05) to discuss the US military's "Operation Absolute Resolve" that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas. The UN decision comes following several nations, including Colombia, Iran and South Africa termed the US action as a violation of international law and sought the world body's intervention against America's unilateral actions. The meeting to discuss the United States' action under the agenda of "Threats to international peace and security" is scheduled for 10 AM local time on Monday, as per the Council presidency.&nbsp;At present, Somalia is serving as the rotating president of the 15-member UN Security Council, consisting of five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members for January.&nbsp;As of January 2026, the United Nations Security Council comprises 15 members, including five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China, and ten non-permanent members: Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, Liberia, Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-s-100-billion-in-loans-at-stake-in-venezuela-after-us-captures-maduro-1767522844314">China’s $100 billion in loans at stake in Venezuela after US captures Maduro</a>&nbsp;Colombian President Gustavo Petro was the first to call for an emergency United Nations meeting after the US military operation against Venezuela "As members of the United Nations Security Council, we seek to convene the Council. The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America. Internal conflicts between people are resolved by those same people in peace. That is the principle of the self-determination of peoples, which forms the foundation of the United Nations system," Petro said in a post on X.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference over the US operation in Venezuela, President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to other neighbouring countries such as Cuba, Colombia and Mexico. In a direct threat to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Trump said, "He's making cocaine. They're sending it into the United States. So he does have to watch his a**." On Saturday, President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military carried out a "large-scale strike against Venezuela" and that the deposed dictator, Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been captured and taken out of the country.&nbsp;Following the attack, UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced deep concern over developments in Venezuela, warning that the situation could have serious consequences for the wider region.&nbsp;In a statement released by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said that regardless of the circumstances in Venezuela, such actions set a dangerous precedent and highlighted the need for all parties to fully respect international law, including strict adherence to the UN Charter.&nbsp;

Several countries, including Cuba, Colombia and South Africa, called the US strikes in Venezuela a violation of international law and sought intervention of the United Nations. 

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to convene an emergency meeting on Monday (Dec 05) to discuss the US military's "Operation Absolute Resolve" that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas. The UN decision comes following several nations, including Colombia, Iran and South Africa termed the US action as a violation of international law and sought the world body's intervention against America's unilateral actions. The meeting to discuss the United States' action under the agenda of "Threats to international peace and security" is scheduled for 10 AM local time on Monday, as per the Council presidency. At present, Somalia is serving as the rotating president of the 15-member UN Security Council, consisting of five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members for January. As of January 2026, the United Nations Security Council comprises 15 members, including five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China, and ten non-permanent members: Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, Liberia, Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia. Also Read: China’s $100 billion in loans at stake in Venezuela after US captures Maduro Colombian President Gustavo Petro was the first to call for an emergency United Nations meeting after the US military operation against Venezuela "As members of the United Nations Security Council, we seek to convene the Council. The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America. Internal conflicts between people are resolved by those same people in peace. That is the principle of the self-determination of peoples, which forms the foundation of the United Nations system," Petro said in a post on X. Addressing a press conference over the US operation in Venezuela, President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to other neighbouring countries such as Cuba, Colombia and Mexico. In a direct threat to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Trump said, "He's making cocaine. They're sending it into the United States. So he does have to watch his a**." On Saturday, President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military carried out a "large-scale strike against Venezuela" and that the deposed dictator, Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been captured and taken out of the country. Following the attack, UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced deep concern over developments in Venezuela, warning that the situation could have serious consequences for the wider region. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said that regardless of the circumstances in Venezuela, such actions set a dangerous precedent and highlighted the need for all parties to fully respect international law, including strict adherence to the UN Charter.

Several countries, including Cuba, Colombia and South Africa, called the US strikes in Venezuela a violation of international law and sought intervention of the United Nations.&nbsp;

UNSC summons emergency session after US military action in Venezuela

12 cars were involved in a multi-vehicle crash in eastern Japan after tea leaves spilt from a moving truck on a road caused the vehicles behind it to skid, Kyodo News reported, citing the police. As per Kyodo News, the accident took place on a two-lane road in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture. It happened after the tea leaves scattered over a 500-metre stretch of the road. While four people were taken to the hospital, one of them was later confirmed dead. According to the report by Kyodo News, the injuries of the three others were not life-threatening. The person who died was a 78-year-old from Saitama Prefecture, who was hit by an oncoming vehicle after he stepped outside his truck, according to the police. Kyodo News mentioned that the truck, which was carrying the tea leaves, was travelling from Ashikaga toward Sano. It mentioned that while the exact time of the crash remains unclear, a man believed to have been involved in the accident made an emergency call to police at around 5:40 a.m. As per the report, the road was temporarily closed after the accident. The workers used heavy machinery and shovels to remove the wet tea leaves, which had stuck to the road.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The accident took place on a two-lane road in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture. It happened after the tea leaves scattered over a 500-metre stretch of the road. While four people were taken to the hospital, one of them was later confirmed dead.

12 cars were involved in a multi-vehicle crash in eastern Japan after tea leaves spilt from a moving truck on a road caused the vehicles behind it to skid, Kyodo News reported, citing the police. As per Kyodo News, the accident took place on a two-lane road in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture. It happened after the tea leaves scattered over a 500-metre stretch of the road. While four people were taken to the hospital, one of them was later confirmed dead. According to the report by Kyodo News, the injuries of the three others were not life-threatening. The person who died was a 78-year-old from Saitama Prefecture, who was hit by an oncoming vehicle after he stepped outside his truck, according to the police. Kyodo News mentioned that the truck, which was carrying the tea leaves, was travelling from Ashikaga toward Sano. It mentioned that while the exact time of the crash remains unclear, a man believed to have been involved in the accident made an emergency call to police at around 5:40 a.m. As per the report, the road was temporarily closed after the accident. The workers used heavy machinery and shovels to remove the wet tea leaves, which had stuck to the road. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The accident took place on a two-lane road in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture. It happened after the tea leaves scattered over a 500-metre stretch of the road. While four people were taken to the hospital, one of them was later confirmed dead.

One dead, 3 injured as 12 vehicles crash in Japan after tea leaves spilt from a moving truck

On Sunday (Jan 4), as US captures Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, North Korea denounces the act. Pyongyang's foreign ministry "strongly denounces the US hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela", said a ministry spokesperson in a statement carried by the official KCNA. "The incident is another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the US," they added.&nbsp;Canada has been against Nicolas Maduro’s regime in Venezuela since 2018. And now as the country’s leader and his wife has been captured by US forces. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government “welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people."&nbsp;Carney mentioned it is one of the first actions taken by Canada’s new government in March 2025 was to impose additional sanctions on Nicolás Maduro’s brutally oppressive and criminal regime — unequivocally condemning his grave breaches of international peace and security, gross and systematic human rights violations, and corruption. Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election. The Canadian government therefore welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people.&nbsp;“Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law, sovereignty, and human rights, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law. We stand by the Venezuelan people’s sovereign right to decide and build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society. Canada attaches great importance to resolution of crises through multilateral engagement and is in close contact with international partners about ongoing developments. We are first and foremost ready to assist Canadians through our consular officials and our embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, and will continue to support Venezuelan refugees,” the PM added.

US forces capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and now North Korea's foreign ministry "strongly denounces the US hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela", said a ministry spokesperson in a statement carried by the official KCNA.

On Sunday (Jan 4), as US captures Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, North Korea denounces the act. Pyongyang's foreign ministry "strongly denounces the US hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela", said a ministry spokesperson in a statement carried by the official KCNA. "The incident is another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the US," they added. Canada has been against Nicolas Maduro’s regime in Venezuela since 2018. And now as the country’s leader and his wife has been captured by US forces. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government “welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people." Carney mentioned it is one of the first actions taken by Canada’s new government in March 2025 was to impose additional sanctions on Nicolás Maduro’s brutally oppressive and criminal regime — unequivocally condemning his grave breaches of international peace and security, gross and systematic human rights violations, and corruption. Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election. The Canadian government therefore welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. “Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law, sovereignty, and human rights, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law. We stand by the Venezuelan people’s sovereign right to decide and build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society. Canada attaches great importance to resolution of crises through multilateral engagement and is in close contact with international partners about ongoing developments. We are first and foremost ready to assist Canadians through our consular officials and our embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, and will continue to support Venezuelan refugees,” the PM added.

US forces capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and now North Korea's foreign ministry "strongly denounces the US hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela", said a ministry spokesperson in a statement carried by the official KCNA.

North Korea denounces US' capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with protesters in Iran, saying, "It is very possible that we are standing at a moment when the Iranian people are taking their destiny into their own hands." His remarks signal Israel’s support of demonstrations against the Ayatollah Khamenei-led Islamic regime in Tehran. These comments came amid protests that erupted last Sunday over Iran’s worsening economic crisis.&nbsp;“The government of Israel, the State of Israel, and my own policies — we identify with the struggle of the Iranian people, with their aspirations for freedom, liberty and justice,” Netanyahu said at the weekly cabinet meeting.&nbsp;Netanyahu said that during his meeting with US President Donald Trump last week at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, they held an extensive discussion on Iran.&nbsp;“We reiterated our shared position of zero [uranium] enrichment on the one hand, and the need to remove the 400 kilograms of enriched material from Iran and to subject the sites to strict and genuine oversight,” Netanyahu said, according to his office.&nbsp;The Israeli Prime Minister further said that he and Trump also discussed Gaza and that the US president strongly endorsed his demand to disarm Hamas.&nbsp;On the issues of the US strike in Venezuela and capturing its leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a military operation, Netanyahu said that Israel supports the United States' "strong action" in Venezuela.&nbsp;"Regarding Venezuela, I wish to express the support of the entire government for the resolute decision and strong action of the United States to restore freedom and justice to that region of the world," Netanyahu said at the opening of a cabinet meeting.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-closely-monitoring-india-bats-for-dialogue-for-peace-and-stability-of-region-after-us-bombs-venezuela-jails-maduro-1767502009014">'Closely monitoring...': India bats for dialogue for 'peace and stability of region' after US bombs Venezuela, jails Maduro</a>&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Israeli intelligence officials warned that &nbsp;Iran may launch military action against targets across the Middle East if protests against the regime gain momentum and threaten its survival, an Israeli daily, Haaretz, reported.&nbsp;Officials estimate that the regime led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could target various U.S. military bases in the region to consolidate domestic support and deflect public anger.

“We stand in solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people and with their aspirations for freedom, liberty, and justice," Netanyahu said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with protesters in Iran, saying, "It is very possible that we are standing at a moment when the Iranian people are taking their destiny into their own hands." His remarks signal Israel’s support of demonstrations against the Ayatollah Khamenei-led Islamic regime in Tehran. These comments came amid protests that erupted last Sunday over Iran’s worsening economic crisis. “The government of Israel, the State of Israel, and my own policies — we identify with the struggle of the Iranian people, with their aspirations for freedom, liberty and justice,” Netanyahu said at the weekly cabinet meeting. Netanyahu said that during his meeting with US President Donald Trump last week at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, they held an extensive discussion on Iran. “We reiterated our shared position of zero [uranium] enrichment on the one hand, and the need to remove the 400 kilograms of enriched material from Iran and to subject the sites to strict and genuine oversight,” Netanyahu said, according to his office. The Israeli Prime Minister further said that he and Trump also discussed Gaza and that the US president strongly endorsed his demand to disarm Hamas. On the issues of the US strike in Venezuela and capturing its leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a military operation, Netanyahu said that Israel supports the United States' "strong action" in Venezuela. "Regarding Venezuela, I wish to express the support of the entire government for the resolute decision and strong action of the United States to restore freedom and justice to that region of the world," Netanyahu said at the opening of a cabinet meeting. Also Read: 'Closely monitoring...': India bats for dialogue for 'peace and stability of region' after US bombs Venezuela, jails Maduro Earlier in the day, Israeli intelligence officials warned that Iran may launch military action against targets across the Middle East if protests against the regime gain momentum and threaten its survival, an Israeli daily, Haaretz, reported. Officials estimate that the regime led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could target various U.S. military bases in the region to consolidate domestic support and deflect public anger.

“We stand in solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people and with their aspirations for freedom, liberty, and justice," Netanyahu said.

Israel 'stands in solidarity' with Iranians: Netanyahu hails strong US action in Venezuela

The imminent US takeover or restructuring of Venezuela’s oil sector could benefit India immensely and bring unexpected financial and strategic gains for Delhi. Either of the two moves by the US may unlock nearly $1 billion in long-pending dues and resume access to crude supplies cut off by sanctions more than five years ago. Until the sanctions came into effect in 2020, Indian refiners were among the largest buyers of Venezuelan heavy crude and imported more than 400,000 barrels per day at peak levels. However, that flow stopped once US sanctions tightened, raising compliance risks and freezing payments linked to Indian investments in Venezuela.&nbsp;<h2>How is India’s $1 billion stuck in Venezuela</h2>&nbsp;India’s ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) holds a 40 per cent stake in the San Cristobal onshore oilfield in eastern Venezuela. The field is still commercially viable, but production stopped once sanctions blocked access to rigs, equipment, and services needed to sustain output.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-bar-fire-police-identify-16-more-victims-many-teenagers-among-the-dead-1767523793903">Swiss bar fire: Police identify 16 more victims, many teenagers among the dead</a>&nbsp;Venezuela did not pay OVL $536 million in dividends due up to 2014, while a similar amount is owed for later years, but audits for that period were never cleared by Caracas, freezing settlement. Together, those unpaid claims amount to around $1 billion.&nbsp;The situation could change after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a swift military operation and placed the country’s oil sector under American oversight. The change in control could lead to sanctions relief or new operating licences, allowing foreign partners to return.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-maduro-had-his-chances-he-effed-around-and-he-found-out-pete-hegseth-1767470111124">‘Maduro had his chances, he effed around, and he found out’: Pete Hegseth</a><h2>How will US control unlock India’s dues?</h2>&nbsp;If restrictions are eased, OVL could redeploy drilling rigs from India, including from fields operated by its parent, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, to resume its production at San Cristobal, currently estimated at 5,000–10,000 barrels per day, but could rise to 80,000–1,00,000 barrels per day with additional wells and use of modern equipment.Thereon the revival of exports would allow OVL to recover its unpaid dues directly from oil revenues.&nbsp;OVL had sought a special sanctions waiver, similar to the licence granted by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control to Chevron, but the request did not progress.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-run-venezuela-till-safe-proper-transition-us-firms-will-invest-make-money-for-it-trump-1767466598390">‘We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition; US firms will invest, make money for it’: Trump</a><h2>Other investments from India in Venezuelan oil sector</h2>&nbsp;Besides San Cristobal, Indian firms have stakes in the Carabobo-1 heavy oil block, where OVL owns 11 per cent, while Indian Oil Corporation and Oil India Ltd hold 3.5 per cent each, while Venezuela’s national oil company Petróleos de Venezuela SA remains the majority shareholder in both.Experts foresee PdVSA restructuring under US oversight, and while its stake may be transferred to a US-backed entity, international partners like OVL and Spain’s Repsol are likely to remain involved due to their operational experience and market access.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-fulfilled-its-promise-says-exiled-oppn-leader-maria-corina-machado-on-maduro-s-capture-1767457216107">‘US fulfilled its promise,’ says exiled oppn leader Maria Corina Machado on Maduro’s capture</a>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump has said major American oil companies would return to Venezuela to repair degraded infrastructure and restore production, but it is unlikely that all existing foreign partners will be sidelined.India’s major refiners, including Reliance Industries, Nayara Energy, IOC, HPCL-Mittal Energy, and Mangalore Refinery, are technically equipped to process heavy Venezuelan crude in blend.&nbsp;Venezuela exported 707 million barrels a year before sanctions tightened, and India and China accounted for more than a third of that trade, while the US absorbed about 32 per cent. By 2025, exports fell to 352 million barrels, and China emerged as the dominant buyer with a 45 per cent share.

India’s ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) holds a 40 per cent stake in the San Cristobal onshore oilfield in eastern Venezuela. The field is still commercially viable, but production stopped once sanctions blocked access to rigs, equipment, and services needed to sustain output.

The imminent US takeover or restructuring of Venezuela’s oil sector could benefit India immensely and bring unexpected financial and strategic gains for Delhi. Either of the two moves by the US may unlock nearly $1 billion in long-pending dues and resume access to crude supplies cut off by sanctions more than five years ago. Until the sanctions came into effect in 2020, Indian refiners were among the largest buyers of Venezuelan heavy crude and imported more than 400,000 barrels per day at peak levels. However, that flow stopped once US sanctions tightened, raising compliance risks and freezing payments linked to Indian investments in Venezuela. How is India’s $1 billion stuck in Venezuela India’s ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) holds a 40 per cent stake in the San Cristobal onshore oilfield in eastern Venezuela. The field is still commercially viable, but production stopped once sanctions blocked access to rigs, equipment, and services needed to sustain output. Also Read: Swiss bar fire: Police identify 16 more victims, many teenagers among the dead Venezuela did not pay OVL $536 million in dividends due up to 2014, while a similar amount is owed for later years, but audits for that period were never cleared by Caracas, freezing settlement. Together, those unpaid claims amount to around $1 billion. The situation could change after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a swift military operation and placed the country’s oil sector under American oversight. The change in control could lead to sanctions relief or new operating licences, allowing foreign partners to return. Also Read: ‘Maduro had his chances, he effed around, and he found out’: Pete Hegseth How will US control unlock India’s dues? If restrictions are eased, OVL could redeploy drilling rigs from India, including from fields operated by its parent, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, to resume its production at San Cristobal, currently estimated at 5,000–10,000 barrels per day, but could rise to 80,000–1,00,000 barrels per day with additional wells and use of modern equipment. Thereon the revival of exports would allow OVL to recover its unpaid dues directly from oil revenues. OVL had sought a special sanctions waiver, similar to the licence granted by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control to Chevron, but the request did not progress. Also Read: ‘We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition; US firms will invest, make money for it’: Trump Other investments from India in Venezuelan oil sector Besides San Cristobal, Indian firms have stakes in the Carabobo-1 heavy oil block, where OVL owns 11 per cent, while Indian Oil Corporation and Oil India Ltd hold 3.5 per cent each, while Venezuela’s national oil company Petróleos de Venezuela SA remains the majority shareholder in both. Experts foresee PdVSA restructuring under US oversight, and while its stake may be transferred to a US-backed entity, international partners like OVL and Spain’s Repsol are likely to remain involved due to their operational experience and market access. Also Read: ‘US fulfilled its promise,’ says exiled oppn leader Maria Corina Machado on Maduro’s capture US President Donald Trump has said major American oil companies would return to Venezuela to repair degraded infrastructure and restore production, but it is unlikely that all existing foreign partners will be sidelined. India’s major refiners, including Reliance Industries, Nayara Energy, IOC, HPCL-Mittal Energy, and Mangalore Refinery, are technically equipped to process heavy Venezuelan crude in blend. Venezuela exported 707 million barrels a year before sanctions tightened, and India and China accounted for more than a third of that trade, while the US absorbed about 32 per cent. By 2025, exports fell to 352 million barrels, and China emerged as the dominant buyer with a 45 per cent share.

India’s ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) holds a 40 per cent stake in the San Cristobal onshore oilfield in eastern Venezuela. The field is still commercially viable, but production stopped once sanctions blocked access to rigs, equipment, and services needed to sustain output.

US control of Venezuelan oil could unblock India’s $1 billion dues

Cilia Flores, the wife of Venezuela's captured president, Nicolas Maduro, has been charged by US prosecutors with accepting bribes to facilitate drug trafficking and manipulate the anti-drug office of the country. She is also accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2007 to arrange a meeting between a major drug trafficker and the director of Venezuela's National Anti-Drug Office, Nestor Reverol Torres.&nbsp;The trafficker later agreed to pay monthly bribes to the director, along with around $100,000 for each flight carrying cocaine to ensure safe transit. Investigators allege that a portion of these payments was channelled to Flores. Reverol Torres was subsequently charged with narcotics offences in New York in 2015 and remains at large.&nbsp;The case also draws attention to alleged drug links involving Flores’s family. In 2015, confidential US recordings captured her nephews discussing plans to move “multi-hundred-kilogram” cocaine shipments from Maduro’s presidential hangar.&nbsp;During those conversations, they reportedly said they were “at war” with the United States. The nephews were convicted in 2017 and sentenced to 18 years in prison for conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine into the US, though they were freed in 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange involving seven Americans.&nbsp;Maduro has been charged along with his wife, son and three others. The indictment includes allegations of narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons.<h3>Who is Cilia Flores?</h3>Cilia Flores, a lawyer from a humble background, rose through former president Hugo Chávez’s socialist movement in the 1990s to become a prominent lawmaker. She and Maduro, partners since the late 1990s and married in 2013, played a central role in strengthening Maduro’s hold on power.&nbsp;Flores maintained immense behind-the-scenes authority even after leaving a formal government position in 2013. She is now being alleged by the US prosecutors that, along with her husband and son, Flores has misused her political power to facilitate drug trafficking.

Cilia Flores, a lawyer from a humble background, rose through former president Hugo Chávez’s socialist movement in the 1990s to become a prominent lawmaker. She and Maduro, partners since the late 1990s and married in 2013, played a central role in strengthening Maduro’s hold on power.

Cilia Flores, the wife of Venezuela's captured president, Nicolas Maduro, has been charged by US prosecutors with accepting bribes to facilitate drug trafficking and manipulate the anti-drug office of the country. She is also accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2007 to arrange a meeting between a major drug trafficker and the director of Venezuela's National Anti-Drug Office, Nestor Reverol Torres. The trafficker later agreed to pay monthly bribes to the director, along with around $100,000 for each flight carrying cocaine to ensure safe transit. Investigators allege that a portion of these payments was channelled to Flores. Reverol Torres was subsequently charged with narcotics offences in New York in 2015 and remains at large. The case also draws attention to alleged drug links involving Flores’s family. In 2015, confidential US recordings captured her nephews discussing plans to move “multi-hundred-kilogram” cocaine shipments from Maduro’s presidential hangar. During those conversations, they reportedly said they were “at war” with the United States. The nephews were convicted in 2017 and sentenced to 18 years in prison for conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine into the US, though they were freed in 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange involving seven Americans. Maduro has been charged along with his wife, son and three others. The indictment includes allegations of narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons. Who is Cilia Flores? Cilia Flores, a lawyer from a humble background, rose through former president Hugo Chávez’s socialist movement in the 1990s to become a prominent lawmaker. She and Maduro, partners since the late 1990s and married in 2013, played a central role in strengthening Maduro’s hold on power. Flores maintained immense behind-the-scenes authority even after leaving a formal government position in 2013. She is now being alleged by the US prosecutors that, along with her husband and son, Flores has misused her political power to facilitate drug trafficking.

Cilia Flores, a lawyer from a humble background, rose through former president Hugo Chávez’s socialist movement in the 1990s to become a prominent lawmaker. She and Maduro, partners since the late 1990s and married in 2013, played a central role in strengthening Maduro’s hold on power.

Bribes, cocaine flights & power: US charges President Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores over drug trafficking bribes

Canada has been against Nicolas Maduro’s regime in Venezuela since 2018. And now as the country’s leader and his wife has been captured by US forces. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government “welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people."&nbsp;Carney mentioned it is one of the first actions taken by Canada’s new government in March 2025 was to impose additional sanctions on Nicolás Maduro’s brutally oppressive and criminal regime — unequivocally condemning his grave breaches of international peace and security, gross and systematic human rights violations, and corruption. Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election. The Canadian government therefore welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people.&nbsp;“Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law, sovereignty, and human rights, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law. We stand by the Venezuelan people’s sovereign right to decide and build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society. Canada attaches great importance to resolution of crises through multilateral engagement and is in close contact with international partners about ongoing developments. We are first and foremost ready to assist Canadians through our consular officials and our embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, and will continue to support Venezuelan refugees,” the PM added.&nbsp;Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro, as Caracas is central to Beijing's Latin America outreach with nearly $105.6 billion worth of loans and financial aid.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government “welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people."

Canada has been against Nicolas Maduro’s regime in Venezuela since 2018. And now as the country’s leader and his wife has been captured by US forces. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government “welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people." Carney mentioned it is one of the first actions taken by Canada’s new government in March 2025 was to impose additional sanctions on Nicolás Maduro’s brutally oppressive and criminal regime — unequivocally condemning his grave breaches of international peace and security, gross and systematic human rights violations, and corruption. Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election. The Canadian government therefore welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people. “Canada has long supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law, sovereignty, and human rights, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law. We stand by the Venezuelan people’s sovereign right to decide and build their own future in a peaceful and democratic society. Canada attaches great importance to resolution of crises through multilateral engagement and is in close contact with international partners about ongoing developments. We are first and foremost ready to assist Canadians through our consular officials and our embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, and will continue to support Venezuelan refugees,” the PM added. Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro, as Caracas is central to Beijing's Latin America outreach with nearly $105.6 billion worth of loans and financial aid.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government “welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people."

'Freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity': Canada supports Venezuela-led transition process

Since WWII, the US has adopted regime change policies via covert methods like protests and overt military interventions to advance its economic and political goals. Scholar Jeffrey Sachs notes over 100 such operations since 1947. Here are some major 21st-century examples.

From Saddam Hussein to Nicolás Maduro: US regime-change operations in the 21st century

The police have identified the bodies of 16 more victims of a bar fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana and most of them are teenagers, with the youngest victim being a Swiss girl aged 14, and nine aged under 18. Teenagers as young as 14 and 15 years old were among those who died in the bar blaze on New Year’s Eve that killed 40 people, police said on Sunday. Those identified on Sunday include 10 Swiss nationals, two Italians, one person with Italian-Emirati citizenship, one Romanian, one person from France, and one from Turkey, said Valais police, but they did not share any names.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-maduro-had-his-chances-he-effed-around-and-he-found-out-pete-hegseth-1767470111124">‘Maduro had his chances, he effed around, and he found out’: Pete Hegseth</a>&nbsp;The identification takes the number of people identified who have been killed as a result of the fire to 24, authorities said in a statement. Eight Swiss citizens were identified on Saturday.&nbsp;A criminal investigation is under way into the people who ran Le Constellation bar. Police said no further details will be released about the victims they had identified out of respect for their relatives.The preliminary investigation found that sparklers on bottles being carried too close to the ceiling is the likely cause of the fire during New Year’s celebrations at the bar.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-run-venezuela-till-safe-proper-transition-us-firms-will-invest-make-money-for-it-trump-1767466598390">‘We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition; US firms will invest, make money for it’: Trump</a>&nbsp;Le Constellation was popular among the younger crowd in the ski resort town, where the drinking age is 16.On Saturday, the Italian ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, said the identification process was slow because of the severity of the burns many victims had suffered.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-fulfilled-its-promise-says-exiled-oppn-leader-maria-corina-machado-on-maduro-s-capture-1767457216107">‘US fulfilled its promise,’ says exiled oppn leader Maria Corina Machado on Maduro’s capture</a>&nbsp;The French couple who own the bar, named by the media as Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence, the prosecutors’ office for the Valais region said.&nbsp;Beatrice Pilloud, Valais canton lead prosecutor, said investigators were looking into whether the acoustic foam on the ceiling of bar was “the cause of the problem”, and also “whether it complies with regulations”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/%E2%80%98It%20was%20a%20brilliant%20operation,%E2%80%99%20says%20Trump%20after%20US%20captures%20Maduro%20and%20his%20wife">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a>&nbsp;Officials are still trying to identify others killed in the fire at the Le Constellation bar.Work on identifying the dead and the injured is continuing, the police said.

Teenagers as young as 14 and 15 years old were among those who died in the bar blaze on New Year’s Eve that killed 40 people, police said on Sunday. The identification takes the number of people identified who have been killed as a result of the fire to 24, authorities said.

The police have identified the bodies of 16 more victims of a bar fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana and most of them are teenagers, with the youngest victim being a Swiss girl aged 14, and nine aged under 18. Teenagers as young as 14 and 15 years old were among those who died in the bar blaze on New Year’s Eve that killed 40 people, police said on Sunday. Those identified on Sunday include 10 Swiss nationals, two Italians, one person with Italian-Emirati citizenship, one Romanian, one person from France, and one from Turkey, said Valais police, but they did not share any names. Also Read: ‘Maduro had his chances, he effed around, and he found out’: Pete Hegseth The identification takes the number of people identified who have been killed as a result of the fire to 24, authorities said in a statement. Eight Swiss citizens were identified on Saturday. A criminal investigation is under way into the people who ran Le Constellation bar. Police said no further details will be released about the victims they had identified out of respect for their relatives. The preliminary investigation found that sparklers on bottles being carried too close to the ceiling is the likely cause of the fire during New Year’s celebrations at the bar. Also Read: ‘We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition; US firms will invest, make money for it’: Trump Le Constellation was popular among the younger crowd in the ski resort town, where the drinking age is 16. On Saturday, the Italian ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, said the identification process was slow because of the severity of the burns many victims had suffered. Also Read: ‘US fulfilled its promise,’ says exiled oppn leader Maria Corina Machado on Maduro’s capture The French couple who own the bar, named by the media as Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence, the prosecutors’ office for the Valais region said. Beatrice Pilloud, Valais canton lead prosecutor, said investigators were looking into whether the acoustic foam on the ceiling of bar was “the cause of the problem”, and also “whether it complies with regulations”. Also Read: ‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife Officials are still trying to identify others killed in the fire at the Le Constellation bar. Work on identifying the dead and the injured is continuing, the police said.

Teenagers as young as 14 and 15 years old were among those who died in the bar blaze on New Year’s Eve that killed 40 people, police said on Sunday. The identification takes the number of people identified who have been killed as a result of the fire to 24, authorities said.

Swiss bar fire: Police identify 16 more victims, many teenagers among the dead

Following the US military's "Operation Absolute Resolve" that led to capture of Venuzualean President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas, China reacted strongly by condemenining the military action saying such “hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty,” adding that “We call on the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries’ sovereignty and security,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro, as Caracas is central to Beijing's Latin America outreach with nearly $105.6 billion worth of loans and financial aid.<h2>China’s Venezuela Bet</h2>Venezuela has long been viewed as a crucial component of China’s strategy to expand its influence beyond Asia. The relationship took formal shape in 2006, under President Hugo Chávez, with Caracas signing several trade agreements with Beijing and describing China as a “Great Wall” against US influence.&nbsp;Under these agreements, Venezuela committed to supplying up to one million barrels of oil per day to China. In return, Beijing promised political backing, including support for Venezuela’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, according to media reports. By 2008, Beijing was sourcing nearly half of its oil supply from Venezuela, making it a key component in China's energy dynamics.&nbsp;The partnership soon turned financial. China began extending large loans to Venezuela, backed by future oil supplies. In 2006, Beijing provided $2 billion in loans, which rose to $7 billion in 2007, according to AidData, a US-based research group. Lending surged in the following years, with $8 billion extended in 2009 and around $27 billion in 2010.&nbsp;In 2007, the two countries created a joint fund worth $6 billion, with a $4 billion loan from the China Development Bank and $2 billion from Venezuela’s state development fund, FONDEN. Repayment was secured through oil shipments from PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-run oil company. The fund was expanded to $12 billion in 2009 through additional contributions from both sides.&nbsp;China continued lending even as Venezuela’s economy weakened. In 2014, it provided a $1 billion credit line to PDVSA and another $1.5 billion loan for working capital.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-release-them-at-once-says-china-to-us-on-capture-of-nicolas-maduro-and-wife-1767523040528">'Release them at once', says China to US on capture of Nicolas Maduro and wife</a>&nbsp;When global oil prices collapsed in 2014, and Venezuela’s economy plunged under President Nicolás Maduro, China extended a further $10 billion loan to support Venezuela’s balance of payments, again backed by oil exports. In 2015, Beijing eased repayment terms on nearly $50 billion in outstanding loans, reducing daily oil shipments and allowing some repayments in local currency.&nbsp;Since 2016, China has largely stopped issuing new loans to Venezuela, focusing instead on restructuring existing debt. Despite this slowdown, Venezuela remains one of China’s biggest debtors, and any political change in Caracas could have major financial consequences for Beijing.

Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro.

Following the US military's "Operation Absolute Resolve" that led to capture of Venuzualean President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas, China reacted strongly by condemenining the military action saying such “hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty,” adding that “We call on the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries’ sovereignty and security,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro, as Caracas is central to Beijing's Latin America outreach with nearly $105.6 billion worth of loans and financial aid. China’s Venezuela Bet Venezuela has long been viewed as a crucial component of China’s strategy to expand its influence beyond Asia. The relationship took formal shape in 2006, under President Hugo Chávez, with Caracas signing several trade agreements with Beijing and describing China as a “Great Wall” against US influence. Under these agreements, Venezuela committed to supplying up to one million barrels of oil per day to China. In return, Beijing promised political backing, including support for Venezuela’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, according to media reports. By 2008, Beijing was sourcing nearly half of its oil supply from Venezuela, making it a key component in China's energy dynamics. The partnership soon turned financial. China began extending large loans to Venezuela, backed by future oil supplies. In 2006, Beijing provided $2 billion in loans, which rose to $7 billion in 2007, according to AidData, a US-based research group. Lending surged in the following years, with $8 billion extended in 2009 and around $27 billion in 2010. In 2007, the two countries created a joint fund worth $6 billion, with a $4 billion loan from the China Development Bank and $2 billion from Venezuela’s state development fund, FONDEN. Repayment was secured through oil shipments from PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-run oil company. The fund was expanded to $12 billion in 2009 through additional contributions from both sides. China continued lending even as Venezuela’s economy weakened. In 2014, it provided a $1 billion credit line to PDVSA and another $1.5 billion loan for working capital. Also Read: 'Release them at once', says China to US on capture of Nicolas Maduro and wife When global oil prices collapsed in 2014, and Venezuela’s economy plunged under President Nicolás Maduro, China extended a further $10 billion loan to support Venezuela’s balance of payments, again backed by oil exports. In 2015, Beijing eased repayment terms on nearly $50 billion in outstanding loans, reducing daily oil shipments and allowing some repayments in local currency. Since 2016, China has largely stopped issuing new loans to Venezuela, focusing instead on restructuring existing debt. Despite this slowdown, Venezuela remains one of China’s biggest debtors, and any political change in Caracas could have major financial consequences for Beijing.

Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro.

China’s $100 billion in loans at stake in Venezuela after US captures Maduro

China on Sunday reacted strongly to the US strike on Venezuela and the capture of ex-President Nicolas Maduro. It demanded immediate release of Maduro and his wife. The Chinese Foreign Ministry in its statement said “China expresses grave concern over the US forcibly seizing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country”.&nbsp;"China calls on the U.S. to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation," the statement further read.&nbsp;China called the move by US a clear violation of international law and of the UN Charter.&nbsp;"The U.S.’s move is in clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," &nbsp;the statement read.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

China called the attack by US on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro and his wife a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter.

China on Sunday reacted strongly to the US strike on Venezuela and the capture of ex-President Nicolas Maduro. It demanded immediate release of Maduro and his wife. The Chinese Foreign Ministry in its statement said “China expresses grave concern over the US forcibly seizing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country”. "China calls on the U.S. to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation," the statement further read. China called the move by US a clear violation of international law and of the UN Charter. "The U.S.’s move is in clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," the statement read.

China called the attack by US on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro and his wife a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter.

'Release them at once', says China to US on capture of Nicolas Maduro and wife

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by US forces in a pre-dawn raid under Operation Absolute Resolve and flown to New York. Held at Brooklyn’s notorious Metropolitan Detention Center, Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges and is set to appear in Manhattan federal court on January 5.

Where is Nicolas Maduro being held? From Mangione to Diddy, who else is inside Brooklyn Detention Center

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, on Sunday blamed Israel for helping the US operation that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, and described the development as a “Zionist attack” against the country. While addressing alongside senior figures from the ruling establishment, Rodríguez claimed that Israel was accountable for what she categorised as foreign aggression against Venezuela.&nbsp;However, she provided no evidence to back the claim and restated the government’s long-held stance that Maduro is the nation’s sole legitimate president. “The attack on Venezuela is Zionist,” Rodríguez said, i24News reported.&nbsp;She also echoed language often used by the Chavista leadership during the political crisis. Her comments came a day after U.S. forces detained President Maduro in Caracas and flew him to New York, where he was taken into federal custody.<h3>Rodríguez says the arrest of Maduro does not nullify his presidency</h3>Meanwhile, Rodríguez maintained that the arrest of Maduro does not nullify his presidency. In his absence, Venezuela’s constitutional court appointed her as interim president, a decision that has added to uncertainty over who wields real power in the country.&nbsp;Rodríguez also appeared alongside her senior officials, including National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López, projecting unity within the ruling elite amid growing instability.&nbsp;President Donald Trump welcomed the operation, describing it as decisive and saying it brought an end to Maduro’s rule. Israeli authorities did not immediately comment on Rodríguez’s accusations.&nbsp;During past confrontations with foreign powers, the government of Venezuela has continuously invoked Israel and “Zionism” intending to deflect internal blame and consolidate domestic support during moments of political crisis within the country.&nbsp;Currently, President Nicolás Maduro is in custody at a New York detention centre after he was captured following the US strikes on Venezuela on Saturday. During the attack at least 40 people reportedly lost their lives including soldiers and civilians.

Delcy Rodríguez also echoed language often used by the Chavista leadership during the political crisis. Her comments came a day after U.S. forces detained President Maduro in Caracas and flew him to New York, where he was taken into federal custody.

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, on Sunday blamed Israel for helping the US operation that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, and described the development as a “Zionist attack” against the country. While addressing alongside senior figures from the ruling establishment, Rodríguez claimed that Israel was accountable for what she categorised as foreign aggression against Venezuela. However, she provided no evidence to back the claim and restated the government’s long-held stance that Maduro is the nation’s sole legitimate president. “The attack on Venezuela is Zionist,” Rodríguez said, i24News reported. She also echoed language often used by the Chavista leadership during the political crisis. Her comments came a day after U.S. forces detained President Maduro in Caracas and flew him to New York, where he was taken into federal custody. Rodríguez says the arrest of Maduro does not nullify his presidency Meanwhile, Rodríguez maintained that the arrest of Maduro does not nullify his presidency. In his absence, Venezuela’s constitutional court appointed her as interim president, a decision that has added to uncertainty over who wields real power in the country. Rodríguez also appeared alongside her senior officials, including National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López, projecting unity within the ruling elite amid growing instability. President Donald Trump welcomed the operation, describing it as decisive and saying it brought an end to Maduro’s rule. Israeli authorities did not immediately comment on Rodríguez’s accusations. During past confrontations with foreign powers, the government of Venezuela has continuously invoked Israel and “Zionism” intending to deflect internal blame and consolidate domestic support during moments of political crisis within the country. Currently, President Nicolás Maduro is in custody at a New York detention centre after he was captured following the US strikes on Venezuela on Saturday. During the attack at least 40 people reportedly lost their lives including soldiers and civilians.

Delcy Rodríguez also echoed language often used by the Chavista leadership during the political crisis. Her comments came a day after U.S. forces detained President Maduro in Caracas and flew him to New York, where he was taken into federal custody.

Was Israel aiding US operation to capture Maduro? Venezuela’s acting president claims ‘Zionist attack’

On Sunday (Jan 3), Elon Musk expressed his support for the people of Venezuela as the US forces conducted a surprise attack. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured from their residence. And now, Musk, who used to work in tandem with Donald Trump on his mission &nbsp;to ‘Make America Great Again’ has taken a different stance. The Starlink chief has announced to free broadband internet services to the country. Musk, who was instrumental in setting up the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), now seems not to be on the same path as President Trump.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity.&mdash; Starlink (@Starlink) <a href="https://twitter.com/Starlink/status/2007672602958197008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Musk's exit from DOGE:</h2>&nbsp;Ever since Trump assumed office for his second term, Musk has always been in the frame. The two were almost inseparable, and now there's a twist in the tale as Musk announces his time in DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) comes to an end.&nbsp;In a social media post, he made it a point to mention it was as scheduled. Is it as portrayed or just like Musk masked signs of Starship's failure with a better-phrased statement: 'lot of good data to review'. As ambiguous as it seems at the face of it, Musk wrote with clarity, "As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President Donald Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government."

Musk, who was instrumental in setting up the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), now seems not to be on the same path as President Trump.

On Sunday (Jan 3), Elon Musk expressed his support for the people of Venezuela as the US forces conducted a surprise attack. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured from their residence. And now, Musk, who used to work in tandem with Donald Trump on his mission to ‘Make America Great Again’ has taken a different stance. The Starlink chief has announced to free broadband internet services to the country. Musk, who was instrumental in setting up the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), now seems not to be on the same path as President Trump.

Musk, who was instrumental in setting up the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), now seems not to be on the same path as President Trump.

US forces capture Venezuelan leader, Musk announces support for the country

Hours after advising its citizens to exercise extreme caution, India has issued a statement over the US strike on Venezuela and subsequent capturing of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro. Calling for “peace and stability of the region”, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said that it is closely monitoring the situation. India also reaffirmed its support to the “well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela” and called on concerned parties to address the issues “peacefully through dialogue.” MEA also said that the The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance.&nbsp;In a statement, the MEA said, “Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Press Release on recent developments in Venezuela ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/PrU0nIRLiQ">https://t.co/PrU0nIRLiQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/jVBI5TcGMV">pic.twitter.com/jVBI5TcGMV</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/2007719538872496468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-exercise-extreme-caution-india-breaks-silence-after-us-captures-venezuela-president-nicolas-maduro-1767491349809">'Exercise extreme caution': India breaks silence after US captures Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro</a><h2>US Attacks Venezuela</h2>In a quick and precise military operation, the US, on Saturday (Jan 3), captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. US forces bombed Venezuela, captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom and have brought them to New York. The first explosions were heard in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas shortly before 2:00 am (0600 GMT), continuing until around 3:15 am. The action was termed as "Operation Absolute Resolve." Though real figures for the casualties in the airstrike by the US is not known, Trump, speaking on Fox News program "Fox and Friends," boasted that no US soldiers had been killed. He later told the New York Post that "many Cubans" who were protecting Maduro had died, the first indication of casualties from the US strikes.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-strikes-venezuela-live-updates-donald-trump-attacks-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-drug-war-venezuela-oil-epstein-files-op-absolute-resolve-1767495310702">US strikes Venezuela LIVE updates</a>&nbsp;Addressing the media after the operation, Trump said that Washington will rule Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Trump also said that “very large United States oil companies” would move into Venezuela to “fix the badly broken… oil infrastructure and start making money for the country”. He added that his administration’s actions “will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe.”&nbsp;Meanwhile on Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has arrived in New York and the Trump administration has released his first video as he is being escorted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers inside the agency's headquarters. From the DEA office, Maduro will be taken to the Metropolitan Detention Centre, a federal facility in Brooklyn, according to US media.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-releases-1st-video-of-venezuela-s-nicolas-maduro-in-new-york-what-happens-now-watch-1767496965752">US releases first video of handcuffed Nicolas Maduro in New York: What will happen to Venezuela's ex-president now</a>

India issued a statement after the US strike on Venezuela and Maduro’s capture, urging peace and regional stability. The MEA said it is monitoring the situation, supporting the safety of Venezuelans, and assisting Indians in Caracas, while calling for dialogue amid escalating tensions.

Hours after advising its citizens to exercise extreme caution, India has issued a statement over the US strike on Venezuela and subsequent capturing of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro. Calling for “peace and stability of the region”, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said that it is closely monitoring the situation. India also reaffirmed its support to the “well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela” and called on concerned parties to address the issues “peacefully through dialogue.” MEA also said that the The Embassy of India in Caracas is in contact with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance. In a statement, the MEA said, “Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region.”

India issued a statement after the US strike on Venezuela and Maduro’s capture, urging peace and regional stability. The MEA said it is monitoring the situation, supporting the safety of Venezuelans, and assisting Indians in Caracas, while calling for dialogue amid escalating tensions.

'Closely monitoring...': India bats for dialogue for 'peace and stability of region' after US bombs Venezuela, jails Maduro

The US attack on Venezuela capital Caracas and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife was not an instantaneous plan by President Donald Trump and the US state machinery, in fact US spies had been monitoring Maduro's every move for months. A small team, including one source within the Venezuelan government kept a track of the 63-year-old's each move like when he slept, what he wore and what he ate. Also his pets were tracked by the intelligence staff.&nbsp;US troops also created a full-size replica of Maduro's Caracas safe house to practise their entry routes. And after keeping a track for months, the mission called "Operation Absolute Resolve" was finalised in early December last year.&nbsp;The mission was closely guarded and not even the Congress was informed or consulted about it. The US military was only waiting for the right time.&nbsp;In fact four days earlier President Trump had given his nod for the attack but the US military chose to wait for better weather and less cloud cover.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Perp walked.<a href="https://t.co/34iIsFUDdG">pic.twitter.com/34iIsFUDdG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007631142200189289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Over the weeks through Christmas and New Year, the men and women of the United States military sat ready, patiently waiting for the right triggers to be met and the president to order us into action," said Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine.&nbsp;"We were going to do this four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, and then all of a sudden it opened up. And we said: Go," he added.&nbsp;Trump's order came shortly before midnight in Caracas, giving the military greater opportunity to operate in darkness.<h2>The mission "Operation Absolute Resolve"</h2>The attack was a two-hour and twenty-minute mission by air, land and sea. It was unprecedented if compared to the scale and precision it was carried out with.&nbsp;Trump, watched the complex capture in Caracas play out in real time from a room in Mar-a-Lago alongside military generals.&nbsp;“If you would have seen what happened, I mean, I watched it literally, like I was watching a television show,” he said to Fox news&nbsp;

The mission was closely guarded and not even the Congress was informed or consulted about it. The US military was only waiting for the right time.

The US attack on Venezuela capital Caracas and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife was not an instantaneous plan by President Donald Trump and the US state machinery, in fact US spies had been monitoring Maduro's every move for months. A small team, including one source within the Venezuelan government kept a track of the 63-year-old's each move like when he slept, what he wore and what he ate. Also his pets were tracked by the intelligence staff. US troops also created a full-size replica of Maduro's Caracas safe house to practise their entry routes. And after keeping a track for months, the mission called "Operation Absolute Resolve" was finalised in early December last year. The mission was closely guarded and not even the Congress was informed or consulted about it. The US military was only waiting for the right time. In fact four days earlier President Trump had given his nod for the attack but the US military chose to wait for better weather and less cloud cover.

The mission was closely guarded and not even the Congress was informed or consulted about it. The US military was only waiting for the right time.

US attack on Venezuela approved four days ago, but better weather conditions was awaited. Here's how Maduro was captured

After Maduro’s capture, Trump shared a 2024 video where the Venezuelan leader dared the US to “come for me,” a remark now seen as prophetic. US forces seized Maduro in a pre-dawn raid and flew him to New York, as Trump vowed to oversee Venezuela’s transition 

'Come for me, do not take too long coward': Maduro’s 2024 speech turns prophetic as US drags him out of Miraflores Palace

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US operation in Venezuela, which involved strikes on the capital and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, fell under what he called the “Don-roe Doctrine.” Trump stated that Venezuela under Maduro hosted “foreign adversaries in our region and acquiring menacing offensive weapons that could threaten U.S. interests and lives, and they used those weapons last night.”&nbsp;“All of these actions were in gross violation of the core principles of American foreign policy, dating back more than two centuries, and not anymore,” Trump said, The Hill reported. “All the way back, it dated to the Monroe Doctrine. And the Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we’ve superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the ‘Don-roe Doctrine," he added.<h3>Policy was also meant to deter Russia's expansion</h3>The National Archives notes that the original Monroe Doctrine was laid out by Former President James Monroe in a speech to Congress on Dec. 2, 1823, warning European nations against intervening in the Western Hemisphere. The policy was further shaped by Monroe’s secretary of state and presidential successor, John Quincy Adams, to discourage European countries from interfering with the affairs of Latin American countries that had declared their independence from countries like Spain and France, according to the State Department.&nbsp;The policy was also meant to deter Russia from expanding into Alaska. Over the past two centuries, successive US administrations have drawn on the Monroe Doctrine to counter foreign influence in Latin America. The National Archives adds that it was cited in 1865 by US diplomats backing Mexican President Benito Juárez in his uprising against French-backed Emperor Maximilian.&nbsp;Later, Former President Theodore Roosevelt expanded the doctrine in order to justify the intervention of the military across Latin America. In addition, some scholars argued that this doctrine prompted US military operations to destabilise left-wing governments not sympathetic to US interests, especially amid the Cold War.

The National Archives notes that the original Monroe Doctrine was laid out by Former President James Monroe in a speech to Congress on Dec. 2, 1823, warning European nations against intervening in the Western Hemisphere.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US operation in Venezuela, which involved strikes on the capital and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, fell under what he called the “Don-roe Doctrine.” Trump stated that Venezuela under Maduro hosted “foreign adversaries in our region and acquiring menacing offensive weapons that could threaten U.S. interests and lives, and they used those weapons last night.” “All of these actions were in gross violation of the core principles of American foreign policy, dating back more than two centuries, and not anymore,” Trump said, The Hill reported. “All the way back, it dated to the Monroe Doctrine. And the Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we’ve superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the ‘Don-roe Doctrine," he added. Policy was also meant to deter Russia's expansion The National Archives notes that the original Monroe Doctrine was laid out by Former President James Monroe in a speech to Congress on Dec. 2, 1823, warning European nations against intervening in the Western Hemisphere. The policy was further shaped by Monroe’s secretary of state and presidential successor, John Quincy Adams, to discourage European countries from interfering with the affairs of Latin American countries that had declared their independence from countries like Spain and France, according to the State Department. The policy was also meant to deter Russia from expanding into Alaska. Over the past two centuries, successive US administrations have drawn on the Monroe Doctrine to counter foreign influence in Latin America. The National Archives adds that it was cited in 1865 by US diplomats backing Mexican President Benito Juárez in his uprising against French-backed Emperor Maximilian. Later, Former President Theodore Roosevelt expanded the doctrine in order to justify the intervention of the military across Latin America. In addition, some scholars argued that this doctrine prompted US military operations to destabilise left-wing governments not sympathetic to US interests, especially amid the Cold War.

The National Archives notes that the original Monroe Doctrine was laid out by Former President James Monroe in a speech to Congress on Dec. 2, 1823, warning European nations against intervening in the Western Hemisphere.

What is ‘Don-roe Doctrine’? Trump sends big message to US rivals after explaining Venezuela strike

In a quick and precise military operation, the US, on Saturday (Jan 3), captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. US forces bombed Venezuela, captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom and have brought them to New York. The first explosions were heard in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas shortly before 2:00 am (0600 GMT), continuing until around 3:15 am. The action was termed as "Operation Absolute Resolve." Though real figures for the casaulties in the airstrike by the US is not known, Trump, speaking on Fox News program "Fox and Friends," boasted that no US soldiers had been killed. He later told the New York Post that "many Cubans" who were protecting Maduro had died, the first indication of casualties from the US strikes.Addressing the media after the operation, Trump said that Washington will rule Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Trump also said that “very large United States oil companies” would move into Venezuela to “fix the badly broken… oil infrastructure and start making money for the country”. He added that his administration’s actions “will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe.” The international community condemned Trump's actions, with China calling out America's “hegemonic behavior” and Russia terming the operation "act of armed aggression".

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are due to appear in federal Manhattan court on Monday, according to a court spokesperson.The hearing is set for 12:00 local time (17:00 GMT), the spokesperson said.

Nicolás Maduro and wife to appear in court on Monday

Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said in an address on Venezuelan television that the army has given its backing to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to act as interim president of Venezuela. He also urged Venezuelans to ‘restart their normal activities.’"What happens to Venezuela today could happen to any state or government," says Padrino.He also said that a large part of Maduro’s security team and ‘innocent civilians’ were killed in the US operation on Saturday.

Venezuelan army backs Vice President Rodríguez as interim leader

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that within the Western Hemisphere, Venezuela is a country that “under the control of this regime, has cozied up to Iran, has cozied up to Hezbollah, has allowed narco-trafficking gangs to operate with impunity from their own territory, allows boats with drugs to traffic from their territory.”“That is what we’re addressing now. We’re not just addressing the regime, we are addressing the factors that are a threat to the national interest of the United States,” he added.&nbsp;He said, “Our objectives when it comes to how Venezuela impacts the national interest of the United States have not changed, and we want those addressed.”

Under Maduro, Venezuela cozied up to Iran and Hezbollah, allowed narco-trafficking: Rubio

Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a post on X on Sunday that Nicolas Maduro will be brought to justice. “The Maduro regime emptied its prisons and flooded our country with criminals, including members of Tren de Aragua, trafficked narcotics into the United States, and is responsible for countless American lives lost. This is the America first agenda in action,” Noem said in the post while sharing a clip of a Fox News interview..

Nicolas Maduro will be brought to justice, says Secretary Kristi Noem 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the “Cuban government is a huge problem” in reply to a question whether the Trump administration’s next target is the government in Cuba.&nbsp;Asked to clarify if his comment meant yes, Rubio said, “I think they’re in a lot of trouble.”“Yes,” he added during an interview with NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press’&nbsp;“I’m not going to talk to you about what our future steps are going to be and our policies are going to be right now in this regard. But I don’t think it’s any mystery that we are not big fans of the Cuban regime.”

Cuban government is a huge problem, says Rubio, hints it may be next target

The United States is ready to work with Venezuela's remaining leaders if they make "the right decision," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday after the US military conducted an operation and captured the oil-rich country's president, Nicolas Maduro. "We're going to judge everything by what they do, and we're going to see what they do," Rubio told CBS News. "I do know this: that if they don't make the right decision, that the United States will retain multiple levers of leverage."

US ready to work with current Venezuela leaders if they make ‘right decision': Rubio

Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday that Venezuelans' welfare should prevail following the toppling of President Nicolas Maduro in a US operation and called for "guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country.""The welfare of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over all other considerations and lead to overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country..." said Pope Leo XIV after his Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Leo says welfare of Venezuelans must prevail

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel supported the United States' "strong action" in Venezuela, one day after American forces captured its leader Nicolas Maduro in a military operation."Regarding Venezuela, I wish to express the support of the entire government for the resolute decision and strong action of the United States to restore freedom and justice to that region of the world," Netanyahu said at the opening of a cabinet meeting.

Israel supports 'strong' US action in Venezuela: PM Bejamin Netanyahu 

North Korea has also condemned the US’s capture of Maduro and termed it a “serious encroachment of sovereignty.”&nbsp;The foreign ministry of Pyongyang issued a statement saying it “strongly denounces the US hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela”, reported KCNA.“The incident is another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the US,” the foreign ministry added.

North Korea condemns Maduro capture, terms it ‘serious encroachment of sovereignty’

India's Left parties condemned the United States’ “aggression and the kidnapping” of Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and called for nationwide protests in solidarity with the people of Latin America.The five Left parties, namely, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, All India Forward Bloc (AIFB), and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), issued a joint statement terming the US operation as a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter.“The US President, Donald Trump, in his address, stated that they would capture the oil reserves of Venezuela, laying bare the real intentions behind this aggression. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, went a step further and warned that Cuba and Mexico would be their next target. These statements, coming days after the release of the US National Security Strategy 2025, make it clear that US imperialism seeks to impose its hegemony over the entire world, even if it means carrying out military attacks," they said.

India's Left parties slam US ‘kidnapping’ of Maduro

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, on Sunday blamed Israel for helping the US operation that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, and described the development as a “Zionist attack” against the country.

Venezuela’s acting president blames Israel for US attack

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would allow American oil firms to tap Venezuela's massive crude reserves after a US military operation seized its leader, Nicolas Maduro, according to AFP.

Trump says US oil firms will move to Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was in a New York jail on Saturday after American special forces seized and flew him out of his country, according to AFP.&nbsp;

President Maduro now in New York jail

China’s foreign ministry demanded that the United States immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and also urged Washington to resolve the situation through dialogue and negotiation. The US must also ensure the safety and security of Maduro and his wife, adding that their removal from the country violated international law and established norms, the ministry said in a statement posted on its website.

China demands US to immediately release Venezuela’s President

Caribbean air travel was thrown into disarray over the weekend after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, triggering widespread airspace curbs across the region. Flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed that no commercial flights were operating over Venezuelan airspace on Saturday.

Hundreds of flights cancelled

Eyewitness video released on Saturday (January 3) of the US strike showed damage to an airport in the Venezuelan city of Higuerote.

US strike on Venezuela damaged airport 

At least 40 people were killed in the U.S. attack on Venezuela early Saturday, including military personnel and civilians, according to a senior Venezuelan official, reported New York Times.

At least 40 killed in US attack on Venezuela 

Venezuela's Supreme Court late Saturday ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to become the country's interim leader.

Venezuela VP to temporarily assume presidency

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Perp walked.&lt;a href="https://t.co/34iIsFUDdG"&gt;pic.twitter.com/34iIsFUDdG&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007631142200189289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;January 4, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

US strikes Venezuela LIVE updates: First video of Maduro after arriving in New York

US strikes Venezuela LIVE updates: Kamala Harris slams Trump 'unlawful' action

US forces launched “Operation Absolute Resolve,” bombing Venezuela and capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in Caracas before flying them to New York. Donald Trump said the move targets drug cartels and ensures a transition

In a quick and precise military operation, the US, on Saturday (Jan 3), captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. US forces bombed Venezuela, captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom and have brought them to New York. The first explosions were heard in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas shortly before 2:00 am (0600 GMT), continuing until around 3:15 am. The action was termed as "Operation Absolute Resolve." Though real figures for the casaulties in the airstrike by the US is not known, Trump, speaking on Fox News program "Fox and Friends," boasted that no US soldiers had been killed. He later told the New York Post that "many Cubans" who were protecting Maduro had died, the first indication of casualties from the US strikes. Addressing the media after the operation, Trump said that Washington will rule Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Trump also said that “very large United States oil companies” would move into Venezuela to “fix the badly broken… oil infrastructure and start making money for the country”. He added that his administration’s actions “will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe.” The international community condemned Trump's actions, with China calling out America's “hegemonic behavior” and Russia terming the operation "act of armed aggression".

US forces launched “Operation Absolute Resolve,” bombing Venezuela and capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in Caracas before flying them to New York. Donald Trump said the move targets drug cartels and ensures a transition

US strikes Venezuela LIVE updates: Nicolás Maduro and wife to appear in court on Monday

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has arrived in New York and the Trump administration has released his first video as he is being escorted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers inside the agency's headquarters in New York. In the video, Maduro is seen in a black hooded sweatshirt, walking down a hallway with a blue carpet labelled "DEA NYD". Rapid Response 47, the official White House rapid response account, posted a video on X. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured after US special forces bombed Venezuelan capital,&nbsp;Caracas. They were reportedly&nbsp;sleeping inside their residence at Caracas' high-security Ft Tiuna military compound during the pre-dawn raid. From the DEA office, Maduro will be taken to the Metropolitan Detention Centre, a federal facility in Brooklyn, according to US media. The detention centre is the same jail where rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs was held throughout his trial last year.&nbsp;The Venezuelan President was seen smiling as he said, “Good night, Happy New Year," to those accompanying him. The Rapid Response also shared an old video of Maduro in which he says: “Come for me, I am waiting here in Mira Flores, Don't take too long to arrive coward.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/north-korea-sends-tough-message-to-us-after-venezuela-attack-fires-multiple-ballistic-missiles-1767494081989">North Korea sends tough message to US after Venezuela attack, fires multiple ballistic missiles</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Perp walked.<a href="https://t.co/34iIsFUDdG">pic.twitter.com/34iIsFUDdG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007631142200189289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/Ud7R20cCOB">pic.twitter.com/Ud7R20cCOB</a>&mdash; Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanScavino/status/2007531054450794588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-exercise-extreme-caution-india-breaks-silence-after-us-captures-venezuela-president-nicolas-maduro-1767491349809">'Exercise extreme caution': India breaks silence after US captures Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro</a><h2>US Attacks Venezuela</h2>In a quick and precise military operation, the US, on Saturday (Jan 3), captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. US forces bombed Venezuela, captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom and have brought them to New York. The first explosions were heard in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas shortly before 2:00 am (0600 GMT), continuing until around 3:15 am. The action was termed as "Operation Absolute Resolve." Though real figures for the casaulties in the airstrike by the US is not known, Trump, speaking on Fox News program "Fox and Friends," boasted that no US soldiers had been killed. He later told the New York Post that "many Cubans" who were protecting Maduro had died, the first indication of casualties from the US strikes.&nbsp;Addressing the media after the operation, Trump said that Washington will rule Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Trump also said that “very large United States oil companies” would move into Venezuela to “fix the badly broken… oil infrastructure and start making money for the country”. He added that his administration’s actions “will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe.”

A video released by the White House shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro escorted by DEA officers in New York after his capture during a US raid in Caracas. Charged with narco-terrorism, Maduro was flown to the US following Operation Absolute Resolve

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has arrived in New York and the Trump administration has released his first video as he is being escorted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers inside the agency's headquarters in New York. In the video, Maduro is seen in a black hooded sweatshirt, walking down a hallway with a blue carpet labelled "DEA NYD". Rapid Response 47, the official White House rapid response account, posted a video on X. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured after US special forces bombed Venezuelan capital, Caracas. They were reportedly sleeping inside their residence at Caracas' high-security Ft Tiuna military compound during the pre-dawn raid. From the DEA office, Maduro will be taken to the Metropolitan Detention Centre, a federal facility in Brooklyn, according to US media. The detention centre is the same jail where rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs was held throughout his trial last year. The Venezuelan President was seen smiling as he said, “Good night, Happy New Year," to those accompanying him. The Rapid Response also shared an old video of Maduro in which he says: “Come for me, I am waiting here in Mira Flores, Don't take too long to arrive coward.” Also Read: North Korea sends tough message to US after Venezuela attack, fires multiple ballistic missiles

A video released by the White House shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro escorted by DEA officers in New York after his capture during a US raid in Caracas. Charged with narco-terrorism, Maduro was flown to the US following Operation Absolute Resolve

US releases 1st video of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro in New York: What handcuffed ex-president said

The UK Ministry of Defence said Royal Air Force Typhoon jets, working alongside French aircraft, carried out a joint strike on an underground Islamic State (IS) weapons store in Syria on Saturday. The intelligence indicated that the site was being used to store arms and explosives and was located in the mountainous area north of Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria.&nbsp;"Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels down to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said, BBC reported. Meanwhile, no harms to civilians were reported in the strike, and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added.<h3>RAF aircraft continue to conduct patrols over Syria&nbsp;</h3>The Typhoon FGR4 jets were backed by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft. IS, also known as Daesh, controlled parts of Syria and Iraq under jihadist rule until its defeat in 2019. "This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.&nbsp;The ministry added that RAF aircraft continue to conduct patrols over Syria to prevent any attempt by IS to regroup following its loss at the 2019 battle of Baghuz. "I want to thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," Healey said.&nbsp;"They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."&nbsp;Previously, the US military had also launched a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria in December, after an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations confirmed that IS still possess between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.

The intelligence indicated that the site was being used to store arms and explosives and was located in the mountainous area north of Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria.

The UK Ministry of Defence said Royal Air Force Typhoon jets, working alongside French aircraft, carried out a joint strike on an underground Islamic State (IS) weapons store in Syria on Saturday. The intelligence indicated that the site was being used to store arms and explosives and was located in the mountainous area north of Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria. "Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels down to the facility... initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the MoD said, BBC reported. Meanwhile, no harms to civilians were reported in the strike, and all the aircraft returned safely, the MoD added. RAF aircraft continue to conduct patrols over Syria The Typhoon FGR4 jets were backed by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft. IS, also known as Daesh, controlled parts of Syria and Iraq under jihadist rule until its defeat in 2019. "This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," UK Defence Secretary John Healey said. The ministry added that RAF aircraft continue to conduct patrols over Syria to prevent any attempt by IS to regroup following its loss at the 2019 battle of Baghuz. "I want to thank all the members of our armed forces involved in this operation for their professionalism and their courage," Healey said. "They were among thousands of British personnel deployed over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad." Previously, the US military had also launched a "massive strike" against IS targets in Syria in December, after an ambush killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra. The United Nations confirmed that IS still possess between 5,000 and 7,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.

The intelligence indicated that the site was being used to store arms and explosives and was located in the mountainous area north of Palmyra, an ancient site in central Syria.

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