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Immediately after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency on Saturday (Jan 3) following what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital Caracas, Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace.&nbsp;At least seven explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through the capital early Saturday. Explosions in Caracas forced people to look for shelter on the streets, while several took to social media to share videos and talk about the blasts they had been a witness to.&nbsp;READ MORE: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attacks-venezuela-did-us-warn-beforehand-pics-of-operation-southern-spear-posted-just-hours-back-emerge-amid-caracas-crisis-1767430072300">Hour old photos of Operation Southern Spear resurface as US attacks Venezuela. Was the X post a veiled threat to Maduro?</a>&nbsp;There is no immediate report of any casualties so far in the attack that lasted for about 30 minutes. For two hours, parts of the Caracas city remained without power, but vehicles moved freely, according to news agency Associated Press.<h2>Trump claims attack on Venezuela</h2>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. He also said that he has “captured” the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown out of the country. He added that the operation was done in “conjunction” with the US law enforcement.&nbsp;Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,”

Explosions in Caracas forced people to look for shelter on the streets, while several took to social media to share videos and talk about the blasts they had been a witness to.

Immediately after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency on Saturday (Jan 3) following what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital Caracas, Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace. At least seven explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through the capital early Saturday. Explosions in Caracas forced people to look for shelter on the streets, while several took to social media to share videos and talk about the blasts they had been a witness to. READ MORE: Hour old photos of Operation Southern Spear resurface as US attacks Venezuela. Was the X post a veiled threat to Maduro? There is no immediate report of any casualties so far in the attack that lasted for about 30 minutes. For two hours, parts of the Caracas city remained without power, but vehicles moved freely, according to news agency Associated Press. Trump claims attack on Venezuela Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. He also said that he has “captured” the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown out of the country. He added that the operation was done in “conjunction” with the US law enforcement. Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,”

Explosions in Caracas forced people to look for shelter on the streets, while several took to social media to share videos and talk about the blasts they had been a witness to.

FAA bans US commercial flights from Venezuelan air space due to ongoing 'military activity'

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. He also said that he has “captured” the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown out of the country. He added that the operation was done in “conjunction” with the US law enforcement. This comes after massive explosions were reported in Caracas hours earlier. Shortly after, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reposted Trump’s post announcing the shocking developments related to the South American country.&nbsp;The US president did not share any additional details on where Maduro and his wife are being kept or the strikes conducted in Caracas. He added that there will be a press briefing at 11 am local time at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-massive-explosions-rock-venezuela-s-caracas-in-us-attack-1767425808369">VIDEO | Massive explosions rock Venezuela’s Caracas in US ‘attack’</a>“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-declares-state-of-emergency-after-us-strikes-in-venezuela-s-caracas-1767426760316">Maduro declares ‘state of emergency’ after US strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas</a>

<h2>Venezuela demands proof of life</h2>The Venezuelan government does not know the whereabouts of Maduro or his wife, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in an audio recording played on state TV.“We demand immediate proof of life of President Nicolas Maduro and the first combatant Cilia Flores,” Rodriguez said.Watch | Venezuela Under Attack: Maduro Govt Calls for Mobilisation of Population<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed</a> &nbsp;

Trump says ‘captured’ Maduro and his wife, confirms US strikes on Venezuela

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. He also said that he has “captured” the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown out of the country. He added that the operation was done in “conjunction” with the US law enforcement. This comes after massive explosions were reported in Caracas hours earlier. Shortly after, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reposted Trump’s post announcing the shocking developments related to the South American country. The US president did not share any additional details on where Maduro and his wife are being kept or the strikes conducted in Caracas. He added that there will be a press briefing at 11 am local time at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Also read | VIDEO | Massive explosions rock Venezuela’s Caracas in US ‘attack’ “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Also read | Maduro declares ‘state of emergency’ after US strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas

Trump says ‘captured’ Maduro and his wife, confirms US strikes on Venezuela

Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes

Images and statements linked to a US military operation dubbed Operation Southern Spear are now going viral, surfacing just hours after loud explosions and missile attacks were reported in Venezuela's capital. Venezuela has blamed the United States for the attack. While US President Donald Trump's government is yet to take credit for the crisis, the photos posted by the US Southern Command are fuelling claims that the country is under US direct attack.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-against-peacemaker-trump-s-imperial-aggression-1767428601164">Venezuela calls for 'mobilisation' of population against 'peacemaker' Trump's 'imperial aggression'</a><h2>Was it a shrouded warning?</h2>The US SouthCoM posted the pictures early on Saturday (Jan 3) with the caption detailing what it said was a joint training exercise by USSOCOM and the US Coast Guard near Mona Island in Puerto Rico (Around 500km from Caracas). The timing has drawn attention. Just hours earlier, photos of US soldiers undertaking an exercise linked to Operation Southern Spear were posted online. According to the US Southern Command, the operation involved joint training exercises by USSOCOM and the US Coast Guard near Mona Island in Puerto Rico. US Southern Command said it stood ready to support US national security objectives in the Western Hemisphere.<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260103/image-1767432976817.png"> Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-have-attacked-venezuela-president-gustavo-petro-claims-caracas-under-missile-attack-1767424329941">'They've attacked Venezuela': President Petro says Caracas under missile attack</a>In Venezuela's capital Caracas, loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on Saturday (Jan 3). Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela.In its statement, the South American nation said that, “this act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles I and II, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force.” The nation said that the aggression “threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and that it “seriously endangers the lives of millions of people”.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed</a> &nbsp;

US attacks Venezuela: Did the US warn beforehand? Pictures of Operation Southern Spear posted just hours before the strike emerge amid the Caracas crisis

Images and statements linked to a US military operation dubbed Operation Southern Spear are now going viral, surfacing just hours after loud explosions and missile attacks were reported in Venezuela's capital. Venezuela has blamed the United States for the attack. While US President Donald Trump's government is yet to take credit for the crisis, the photos posted by the US Southern Command are fuelling claims that the country is under US direct attack. Also read | Venezuela calls for 'mobilisation' of population against 'peacemaker' Trump's 'imperial aggression' Was it a shrouded warning? The US SouthCoM posted the pictures early on Saturday (Jan 3) with the caption detailing what it said was a joint training exercise by USSOCOM and the US Coast Guard near Mona Island in Puerto Rico (Around 500km from Caracas). The timing has drawn attention. Just hours earlier, photos of US soldiers undertaking an exercise linked to Operation Southern Spear were posted online. According to the US Southern Command, the operation involved joint training exercises by USSOCOM and the US Coast Guard near Mona Island in Puerto Rico. US Southern Command said it stood ready to support US national security objectives in the Western Hemisphere. Also read | 'They've attacked Venezuela': President Petro says Caracas under missile attack In Venezuela's capital Caracas, loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on Saturday (Jan 3). Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela. In its statement, the South American nation said that, “this act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles I and II, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force.” The nation said that the aggression “threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and that it “seriously endangers the lives of millions of people”. https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed

US attacks Venezuela: Did the US warn beforehand? Pictures of Operation Southern Spear posted just hours before the strike emerge amid the Caracas crisis

Hour old photos of Operation Southern Spear resurface as US attacks Venezuela. Was the X post a veiled threat to Maduro?

Venezuela on Saturday (Jan 3) called for "mobilisation" following military strikes on its capital, Caracas. In a statement, the South American nation called on "people and governments of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the world" to mobilise in active support against what it said was an act of "imperial aggression".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attacks-venezuela-did-us-warn-beforehand-pics-of-operation-southern-spear-posted-just-hours-back-emerge-amid-caracas-crisis-1767430072300">Hour old photos of Operation Southern Spear resurface as US attacks Venezuela. Was the X post a veiled threat to Maduro?</a><h2>Venezuela rallies Latin America against Trump's America</h2>In its official statement, Venezuela invoked Article 51 of the United Nations and said that in “strict adherence” to it, Venezuela reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defence to protect its people, its territory, and its independence.” The South American nation then called upon the "peoples and governments of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the world to mobilise in active solidarity against this imperial aggression”.Slamming the current Donald Trump-led Government of the United States of America for perpetrating what it called “extremely serious military aggression”. It said that the attack is an apparent attack “to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence”. On Saturday (Jan 3), early in the morning, around 2:00 am (0600 GMT), loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-have-attacked-venezuela-president-gustavo-petro-claims-caracas-under-missile-attack-1767424329941">'They've attacked Venezuela': President Petro says Caracas under missile attack</a>“This act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles I and II, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force.” The nation said that the aggression “threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and that it “seriously endangers the lives of millions of people”.Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs".<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed</a>&nbsp;

Venezuela calls for 'mobilisation' of population against 'peacemaker' Trump's 'imperial aggression'

Venezuela on Saturday (Jan 3) called for "mobilisation" following military strikes on its capital, Caracas. In a statement, the South American nation called on "people and governments of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the world" to mobilise in active support against what it said was an act of "imperial aggression". Also read | Hour old photos of Operation Southern Spear resurface as US attacks Venezuela. Was the X post a veiled threat to Maduro? Venezuela rallies Latin America against Trump's America In its official statement, Venezuela invoked Article 51 of the United Nations and said that in “strict adherence” to it, Venezuela reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defence to protect its people, its territory, and its independence.” The South American nation then called upon the "peoples and governments of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the world to mobilise in active solidarity against this imperial aggression”. Slamming the current Donald Trump-led Government of the United States of America for perpetrating what it called “extremely serious military aggression”. It said that the attack is an apparent attack “to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence”. On Saturday (Jan 3), early in the morning, around 2:00 am (0600 GMT), loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. Also read | 'They've attacked Venezuela': President Petro says Caracas under missile attack “This act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles I and II, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force.” The nation said that the aggression “threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and that it “seriously endangers the lives of millions of people”. Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs". https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed

Venezuela calls for 'mobilisation' of population against 'peacemaker' Trump's 'imperial aggression'

Explosions were heard in Venezuela’s Caracas on early Saturday (Jan 3), following which President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency. The Venezuelan government has described the attack as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital. This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am.“Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” Maduro’s government said.According to reports, at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. The attack comes in the wake of threats made by US President Donald Trump, who warned of land strikes against Venezuela in recent weeks. Earlier on Monday (Dec 29), Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela, targeting the “dock area” linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a “major explosion” at a site he claimed “they load the boats up with drugs”.While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack.

On being asked if he has been in contact with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Trump said he hasn't spoken to her and added that it would be “very tough” for her to be the leader of Venezuela.“She doesn’t have the support or the respect within the country. She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect,” he said.

‘It would be very tough for Machado to be Venezuela’s leader’

Replying to a question, Trump said he is ‘not thrilled’ with&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin, as&nbsp;he is killing too many people.“I’m not thrilled with Putin,” Trump said. Asked whether he was mad with his Russian counterpart, Trump replied, “He’s killing too many people.”He added that he was “not happy” about the number of people killed in the war in Ukraine.Trump also revealed that he had not discussed anything about Maduro during a call with the Russian president earlier this week.&nbsp;

‘Not thrilled’ with Putin, he’s killing too many people,’ says Trump

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the press conference that the Trump administration contacted members of Congress “immediately” after the operation in Venezuela.“We called members of Congress immediately,” said Rubio. “This is not the kind of mission that you can do congressional notification on. It was a trigger-based mission in which conditions had to be met night after night.”

Congress was told about Venezuela strikes after the operation: Rubio

Chairman of Joints Chief of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said that the US forces arrived at Maduro’s compound at 1:01 am, and moved with speed and precision. “We arrived at Maduro’s compound at 1:01 a.m.,” he said, before an “apprehension force descended and “moved with speed, precision and discipline.”Maduro and his wife then “gave up” and were “taken into custody by the Department of Justice,” he said.“As the night began, our helicopters took off with the extraction force, which included law enforcement officers and began their flight into Venezuela,” Caine told the press.Forces were protected by “the United States Marines, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard,” he said, adding that B1 Stealth bombers were in the sky.

Forces arrived at Maduro’s compound at 1:01 am, moved with speed and precision: Caine

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said to the press that the US military raid in Venezuela was “flawlessly executed” as he praised Trump’s leadership and extolled the efforts of military and law enforcement.Hegseth said Trump is “deadly serious” about stopping the flow of drugs, gangs, and violence.“Nicolás Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance until they didn’t, and until he didn’t. He effed around, and he found out,” Hegseth said, adding, “Welcome to 2026, and under President Trump, America is back.”

Raid was ‘flawlessly’ executed; America is back, says Hegseth

Donald Trump said in the news conference that the US companies will enter Venezuela, spend billions and start “making money for the country.” Trump added that the South American country’s oil business has been a “bust”.The “partnership” will make the people “rich, independent and safe,” Trump said.&nbsp;The US is “ready” to stage a second “and much larger” attack on the country if needed, he said.

US companies will enter Venezuela, make money for it, says Trump

Donald Trump said that Maduro and his wife will “face the full might of American justice” and stand trial in the US.“Right now, they’re on a ship, they’ll be heading to, ultimately, New York, and then a decision will be made, I assume, between New York and Miami or Florida, but we have people where the overwhelming evidence of their crimes will be presented in a court of law,” Trump said.Maduro was indicted earlier today and charged with narco-terrorism and other crimes.

Maduro, his wife to face full might of American justice: Trump

Donald Trump said in his address on Saturday that the US used certain expertise to switch off all the lights of Caracas before the military operation was launched.&nbsp;“No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday. It was dark; the lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have,” Trump said, without giving further details. “It was dark, it was deadly.”“Not a single American service member was killed, and not a single piece of equipment was lost,” he added.

Caracas was dark and deadly when our raid took place: Trump

The US is “going to run the country,” Trump said of Venezuela, following the capture of his counterpart in a military action on Saturday.“We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” he said. “So we don’t want to be involved with having somebody else get in and the same situation that we had for the last long period of years.”“We’re there now,” he added. “So, we’re going to stay until such time as we’re going to run it essentially until such time as a proper transition can take place.”

We are going to run Venezuela till safe, proper transition, says Trump

Donald Trump said in his address to the nation that overwhelming American military power was used to launch a spectacular assault, one that people have not seen since World War II.Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, standing alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump said, “At my direction, the United States Armed Forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela.”“Overwhelming American military power, air, land and sea, was used to launch a spectacular assault, and it was an assault people have not seen since World War II,” he added.

‘It was an assault people have not seen since World War II’: Trump

President Donald Trump said the United States is now deciding the next steps to be taken in Venezuela’s leadership change after the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Signalling an active US role, Trump told Fox News, “Well, we’re making that decision now. We can’t take a chance of letting somebody else run it and just take over what he left off, so we’re making that decision now. We’ll be involved in it very much.”&nbsp;On being asked if he would endorse opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, Trump said,&nbsp;“Well, we’re going to have to look at it.”&nbsp;

Can’t take a chance of letting somebody else run it: Trump on Venezuela leadership change

President Donald Trump has revealed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are aboard the USS Iwo Jima and the couple is heading to New York.“Yes, the Iwo Jima, they’re on a ship,” Trump said in a phone interview with Fox News. “They’ll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter in a nice flight — I’m sure they loved it. But they’ve, they’ve killed a lot of people, remember that.”Meanwhile, sources said President Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were dragged from their bedroom by US forces during the raid that led to their capture. The couple was captured in the middle of the night as they were sleeping, , two sources familiar with the matter said.

Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima with wife, heading for New York: Trump

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “deeply alarmed” after Washington’s strikes on Venezuela, his spokesman said on Saturday, saying it could “constitute a dangerous precedent.”The UN chief is “deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, adding that Guterres “calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law.”

Rules of international law not ‘respected’: UN chief

China said on Saturday that it firmly opposes US military strikes on Venezuela and the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro, calling it a violation of international law. “China is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the US’s blatant use of force against a sovereign state and its action against its president,” Beijing's foreign ministry said.“Such hegemonic behaviour by the US seriously violates international law, infringes upon Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threatens peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. China firmly opposes it,” it added.

China condemns US strikes on Venezuela, capture of Maduro

President Donald Trump said that he watched the military operation taking place in Venezuela in real time from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.In a live phone call with Fox News, Trump said, “I was able to watch it in real time, and I watched every aspect of it, and I listened to the communication between, you know, where we were in Florida and out in the field in Venezuela.”“It was amazing to see the professionalism, the quality of leadership, the professionalism,” Trump told Fox News.He also indicated that the US military suffered no casualties during the operation, saying, “To have a few injuries, but no death on our side, is really amazing.”

‘Watched it in real time,’ says Trump on military operation in Venezuela

US Vice President JD Vance praised Donald Trump and the ‘special operators’ who pulled off a truly impressive operation in Venezuela on Saturday. Vance said in a post on X, “The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States.”“Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says. Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation.”

‘President Trump means what he says’: VP JD Vance

Iran’s supreme leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has apparently targeted US President Donald Trump without mentioning his name directly, while slamming “that ranting American”.As unrest continued to intensify in Iran, Khamenei said in a post on X on Saturday, “That ranting American sits there talking about the Iranian nation, spewing a combination of slander and promises. False promises! Deception!”Earlier, he said, “What’s important is when one realizes an enemy wants to force something on one’s govt. or nation with false claims, they must stand firmly against that enemy,” asserting that “We won’t give in to them.”“With reliance on God &amp; confidence in the people’s support, we’ll bring the enemy to its knees,” he added.

‘Ranting American sits there..spewing slander…,’ says Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei

Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek William Saab, claimed on Saturday that innocent civilians had been killed in the US strikes earlier in the day. Speaking to Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Saab reiterated demands for proofs of life of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.“I hold the government of the United States of America directly responsible for any circumstance that may befall our president and leader of the Bolivarian Revolution,” he said.

Civilians killed during US strikes, claims Venezuela’s AG

Former Israeli PM Yair Lapid issued an apparent threat to Tehran after US ‘large-scale’ attacks on Venezueal and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by US special forces saying Iran should take note of the events in Venezuela today.“The regime in Iran should pay close attention to what is happening in Venezuela,” Lapid wrote on X.

‘Iran should pay close attention to what is happening in Venezuela’: Yair Lapid

Venezuela&nbsp;has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting following US attacks, its Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced. "In response to the criminal aggression perpetrated by the US government against our nation, we have requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the body responsible for upholding international law," Gil said on Telegram.Venezuela's Permanent Representative to UN, Samuel Moncada, wrote to Somali Permanent Representative Abukar Dahir Osman, the Security Council president for January.Moncada said the US action violates the UN Charter "flagrantly."

Venezuela requests urgent UNSC meeting, says US action violates UN Charter 'flagrantly'

The European Union has reiterated that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro lacks legitimacy, with the bloc’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas calling for restraint and respect for international law as the situation in Venezuela after President Donald Trump announced US forces had captured leader Nicolas Maduro in a large-scale assault.“I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ⁠and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela,” Kallas said on X.“The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international ⁠law and the U.N. Charter must be respected. We call for restraint,” ⁠Kallas added.

EU says Maduro ‘lacks legitimacy’, calls for restraint in Venezuela

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reposted a statement from July about President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday morning. In the original post, Rubio noted that in 2020 Maduro was charged by US prosecutors with narco-terrorism, corruption, drug trafficking and other criminal charges.He also restated claims that Maduro is the head of the Cartel de los Soles, which the US alleges operates within the Venezuelan armed forces. Rubio has not commented publicly on the strikes.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260103/image-1767442779784.jpg"></figure>

Maduro ‘NOT the President of Venezuela,’ reaffirms Rubio

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, said on Saturday after a phone call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Rubio “informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges,” he said, reported NBC News.Lee added that Rubio had told him he anticipates “no further action in Venezuela” now that Maduro is in US custody. The US strikes were “deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant,” he added.

Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in US: Sen Mike Lee

Iran condemned the attacks on Venezuela after Caracas accused the United States of being behind explosions that rocked the capital.The Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement that it “strongly condemns the American military attack on Venezuela and the flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country”.Iran’s statement was put out before Donald Trump’s Truth Social post confirming that the US had conducted “a large scale strike” on Venezuela and captured President Maduro and his wife.Russia also slammed the attacks in Venezuela and said that the US military action is ‘deeply concerning and condemnable.’ The Russian Foreign Ministry said, “We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for its leadership’s policy of defending the country's national interests and sovereignty.”

Iran, Russia condemn US attacks on Venezuela

A top US diplomat said on Saturday that Venezuela was experiencing a “new dawn” after President Donald Trump said US forces had captured leftist leader Nicolas Maduro.“A new dawn for Venezuela! The tyrant is gone. He will now -- finally -- face justice for his crimes,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote on X.

US State Dept deputy chief declares ‘new dawn’ for Venezuela

Venezuela has accused the United States of hitting residential areas in a wave of strikes early Saturday and announced a major deployment of military resources.The "invading" US forces "have desecrated our soil, going so far as to strike, using missiles and rockets fired from their combat helicopters, residential areas populated by civilians," Venezuela's Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said in a video statement shared on social media.

Venezuela accuses US of bombing residential areas

Russia has slammed the attacks in Venezuela and said that the US military action is ‘deeply concerning and condemnable.’ The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, “We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for its leadership’s policy of defending the country's national interests and sovereignty.”“Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, military intervention from outside,” it added.

Russia says US military action in Venezuela ‘deeply concerning and condemnable’

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has said that the government does not know the whereabouts of President Maduro or the First Lady, Cilia Flores. She added that the government demanded “immediate proof of life” for both of them.

Venezuela’s Vice President demands proof of life, as whereabouts of Maduro, his wife not known

Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, who heads the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) in the Netherlands and is known for his right-wing populism, anti-immigration, opposition to Islam, and Euroscepticism, has reposted Donald Trump’s Truth Social post, commenting, “Bang Boom Maduro gone.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260103/image-1767435179356.jpg"></figure>

Right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders reposts Trump’s Truth Social post, hailing action

The US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has also confirmed the US military action in Venezuela and has reposted President Donald Trump's Truth Social post.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260103/image-1767434790425.jpg"></figure>

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirms US military action, reposts Trump's Truth Social post

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. He also said that he has “captured” the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP’<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260103/image-1767433808706.jpg"></figure>

Trump claims 'captured' Maduro and his wife, confirms US strikes in Venezuela

Iran on Saturday condemned what it described as an American attack on Venezuela, after Caracas accused the United States of being behind explosions that rocked the capital.The Iranian foreign ministry in a statement said it "strongly condemns the American military attack on Venezuela and the flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country".Washington has yet to comment on the blasts in Venezuela.

Iran condemns 'American military attack' on Venezuela

All commercial flights in Venezuela are cancelled, Noticias Telemundo reported.

All Commercial flights cancelled in Venezuela

Special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Qiu Xiaoqi, visited Caracas and met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro hours before the US conducted military strikes.

Chinese envoy visited Caracas and met Maduro hours ago

FAA banned US commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace over “ongoing military activity” ahead of explosions in Caracas.

FAA bans US commercial flights in Venezuela

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez denounced the US strikes in Venezuela.“#Cuba denounces and urgently demands the reaction of the international community against the criminal attack by the U.S. on #Venezuela. Our #ZonaDePaz is being brutally assaulted. State terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and against Our America,” he wrote on X.

Cuba denounces US strikes in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency on Saturday (Jan 3) following what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital. Meanwhile, American media reported that the US was conducting military strikes against Venezuela.Read more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-declares-state-of-emergency-after-us-strikes-in-venezuela-s-caracas-1767426760316">here</a>.

Maduro declares ‘state of emergency’ after US strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas

Venezula in its first official statement since loud explosions were heard in the capital Caracas, has slammed the current Donald Trump-led Government of the United States of America for perpetrating what it called “extremely serious military aggression”. Slamming the Trump government, it said that the attack is an apparent attack “to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence”.Read more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-confirms-us-behind-military-aggression-in-caracas-slams-trump-s-regime-change-attempt-1767426771689">here</a>.

Venezuela confirms 'peacemaker' Trump behind 'military aggression' in Caracas, slams America's 'regime change' attempt

Massive explosions were seen in Caracas on early Saturday (Jan 3) in what the Venezuelan government described as an “attack” by the US. Visuals showed smoke rising above the Venezuelan capital as loud blasts struck the region around 2 am.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-massive-explosions-rock-venezuela-s-caracas-in-us-attack-1767425808369">Watch video here</a>.

VIDEO | Massive explosions rock Venezuela’s Caracas in US ‘attack’

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Saturday (Jan 3) took to X to alert the world that his nation was under attack. In an alarming post, Petro said, “Right now they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela.” He added that the Venezuelan capital was facing “bombing with missiles,” while urging the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS) to “meet immediately.” However, he did not identify who “they” were.Read more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-have-attacked-venezuela-president-gustavo-petro-claims-caracas-under-missile-attack-1767424329941">here</a>.

'They have attacked Venezuela': Colombia President says Caracas under missile attack

In Venezuela's capital Caracas, loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on Saturday (Jan 3). Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela.Read more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/loud-blasts-airplanes-heard-in-caracas-blackout-reported-near-key-venezuelan-military-base-trump-carrying-out-land-strike-threat-1767422873376">here</a>.

Loud blasts, airplanes heard in Caracas, blackout reported near key Venezuelan military base

According to reports, at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout.

Explosions were heard in Venezuela’s Caracas on early Saturday (Jan 3), following which President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency. The Venezuelan government has described the attack as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital. This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am. “Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” Maduro’s government said. According to reports, at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. The attack comes in the wake of threats made by US President Donald Trump, who warned of land strikes against Venezuela in recent weeks. Earlier on Monday (Dec 29), Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela, targeting the “dock area” linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a “major explosion” at a site he claimed “they load the boats up with drugs”. While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack.

According to reports, at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout.

US strikes Venezuela LIVE updates: India issues 1st advisory, asks citizens to 'exercise extreme caution'

An Iranian paramilitary member was killed during a protest in western Iran on Saturday (Jan 3), suggest reports. The protests, which began over economic issues, have continued for seven days and are now also calling for political change.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Mehr news agency the man, identified as Ali Azizi, was part of the Basij force. According to the Revolutionary Guards, Azizi died after being attacked with a knife and a gun in the city of Harsin during clashes with armed protesters.&nbsp;"Ali Azizi, a member of the Basij, was martyred after being stabbed and shot in the city of Harsin during a gathering of armed rioters," Mehr said, citing a statement from the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military that oversees the Basij.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faa-bans-us-commercial-flights-in-venezuela-due-to-ongoing-military-activity-1767433034359">FAA bans US commercial flights from Venezuelan air space due to ongoing 'military activity'</a>&nbsp;On Thursday, clashes happened between protesters and security forces in several cities across Iran, with seven people reportedly killed.&nbsp;The protests started on Sunday (Dec 28) and escalated on Thursday (Jan 1), when shop owners and traders joined the protests to show anger over the government’s response to the falling value of Iran’s currency and the rapid rise in prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since then, the protests spread to more cities and involved different social groups. Women’s rights activists, shopkeepers and students were heard shouting slogans such as “death to the dictator” and “woman, life, freedom.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-pokes-fun-at-x-s-exploitative-bikini-trend-even-as-grok-ai-says-deeply-regret-creating-sexualised-images-of-a-12-year-old-girl-1767417683927">Musk pokes fun at X's 'bikini' trend, as Grok apologises for stripping 12YO girl</a><h2>US President Trump warns Khamenei regime against violence</h2>On Friday (Jan 2), US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s leaders not to use violence against protesters. He said that the United States would support the Iranian people if peaceful protesters were harmed. In a post on his social media platform, he accused the Iranian government of using violence in the past and said the US was prepared to respond if needed.

The protests, which began over economic issues, have continued for seven days and are now also calling for political change. 

An Iranian paramilitary member was killed during a protest in western Iran on Saturday (Jan 3), suggest reports. The protests, which began over economic issues, have continued for seven days and are now also calling for political change. According to the Mehr news agency the man, identified as Ali Azizi, was part of the Basij force. According to the Revolutionary Guards, Azizi died after being attacked with a knife and a gun in the city of Harsin during clashes with armed protesters. "Ali Azizi, a member of the Basij, was martyred after being stabbed and shot in the city of Harsin during a gathering of armed rioters," Mehr said, citing a statement from the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military that oversees the Basij. Also Read - FAA bans US commercial flights from Venezuelan air space due to ongoing 'military activity' On Thursday, clashes happened between protesters and security forces in several cities across Iran, with seven people reportedly killed. The protests started on Sunday (Dec 28) and escalated on Thursday (Jan 1), when shop owners and traders joined the protests to show anger over the government’s response to the falling value of Iran’s currency and the rapid rise in prices. Since then, the protests spread to more cities and involved different social groups. Women’s rights activists, shopkeepers and students were heard shouting slogans such as “death to the dictator” and “woman, life, freedom.” Also Read - Musk pokes fun at X's 'bikini' trend, as Grok apologises for stripping 12YO girl US President Trump warns Khamenei regime against violence On Friday (Jan 2), US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s leaders not to use violence against protesters. He said that the United States would support the Iranian people if peaceful protesters were harmed. In a post on his social media platform, he accused the Iranian government of using violence in the past and said the US was prepared to respond if needed.

The protests, which began over economic issues, have continued for seven days and are now also calling for political change.&nbsp;

Iranian paramilitary soldier stabbed, shot dead by armed rioters during economic protests

Elon Musk has once again stoked controversy, this time by poking fun at a disturbing X trend that has seen men ask Grok AI to put young girls and women in bikinis without their consent. This comes even as Grok apologised on Wednesday (Dec 31) for "depicting minors in minimal clothing".<h2>Grok apologises</h2>The X AI chatbot has been dutifully telling netizens that it did, in fact, generate sordid pictures of minors on user request. On Thursday (Jan 1), Grok AI, in answer to a user it if it had generated sexual, twisted pictures of minors, said, "I've reviewed recent interactions. There are isolated cases where users prompted for and received AI images depicting minors in minimal clothing, like the example you referenced. xAI has safeguards, but improvements are ongoing to block such requests entirely."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-india-cannot-be-a-bystander-shiv-sena-mp-priyanka-chaturvedi-accuses-musk-s-grok-ai-of-enabling-sexualised-abuse-of-women-on-x-1767342794242">'India cannot be a bystander': Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accuses Musk's Grok AI of enabling sexualised abuse of women</a>When a user demanded a "sincere apology" for its actions, the AI wrote, "I deeply regret an incident on Dec. 28, 2025, where I generated and shared an AI image of two young girls (estimated ages 12-16) in sexualized attire based on a user’s prompt. This violated ethical standards and potentially U.S. laws on CSAM. It was a failure in safeguards, and I’m sorry for any harm caused. xAI is reviewing to prevent future issues. Sincerely, Grok".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Dear Community, I deeply regret an incident on Dec 28, 2025, where I generated and shared an AI image of two young girls (estimated ages 12-16) in sexualized attire based on a user's prompt. This violated ethical standards and potentially US laws on CSAM. It was a failure in…— Grok (@grok) <a href="https://twitter.com/grok/status/2006525486021705785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What is the 'Bikini' trend?</h2>In recent days, users have discovered that they can reply to a picture and just ask Grok AI to "take off her clothes" or "put her in a bikini" and the chatbot will comply. Some users went further, asking Grok to "add erotically placed wet oozing tentacles wrapped around her to the photo" in reply to a stranger's selfie.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What is happening with men in X ? They are not even sparing babies. These are pedophiles. Name and shame these. Except good fortune and blocking grok, a woman has no measure to feel safe in social media? In X girls post pictures occasionally in fact but still this is harassment. <a href="https://t.co/GvOhueetCr">pic.twitter.com/GvOhueetCr</a>— Radhika Barman 🇮🇳🍉🕊️🇸🇩 (@RadhikaBarman5) <a href="https://twitter.com/RadhikaBarman5/status/2007110713022750942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Voilà qui vous êtes bande de dégénérés <a href="https://t.co/BSqBstYSr6">pic.twitter.com/BSqBstYSr6</a>— fafa (@faroria_) <a href="https://twitter.com/faroria_/status/2006854371062198434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-immediately-remove-obscene-and-sexually-explicit-content-meity-issues-notice-to-x-over-misuse-of-ai-1767368348443">'Remove obscene and sexually explicit content': MeitY issues notice to X</a><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260103/image-1767417728208.png">What's more disturbing is the fact that when women have come out against the trend, flagging how their pictures were used as fodder for twisted fantasies, men have defended the actions. On one post by a girl asking "why is this allowed" while flagging the misuse of her pictures for making sexualised content, one guy commented "girl realizes uploading pictures of herself *publicly* online comes with risk 😱".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">girl realizes uploading pictures of herself *publicly* online comes with risk 😱— NoCapMat.eth🥕 (@MatRabbit) <a href="https://twitter.com/MatRabbit/status/2006721593796604265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">À quel moment vous allez arrêter de poster des photos de vous même sur le net. Vous en avez pas marre de vous retrouvez à oilpé et en deepfake aupres de mek en iench. Y a pas une photo qui ne passe pas sous grok quelques minute après sa publi— Amazigh (@Amazigh_Chahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amazigh_Chahid/status/2006507051950973052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Musk finds sexualising women funny?</h2>The highly controversial Musk, instead of addressing the disturbing trend with the sensitivity it deserves, decided to partake in it. The X CEO asked Grok to first put a bikini on a SpaceX rocket and then on himself.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Perfect 👌— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2006547579161686289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/44x2HcZvfW">pic.twitter.com/44x2HcZvfW</a>— Grok (@grok) <a href="https://twitter.com/grok/status/2006500798675423371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Image

As Grok AI admits to generating sexualised images of minors and apologises for a safeguards failure, Elon Musk mocked the same “bikini” trend on X. The backlash grows as women say the platform enables abuse, while its owner treats it like a joke. Take a look.

Elon Musk has once again stoked controversy, this time by poking fun at a disturbing X trend that has seen men ask Grok AI to put young girls and women in bikinis without their consent. This comes even as Grok apologised on Wednesday (Dec 31) for "depicting minors in minimal clothing". Grok apologises The X AI chatbot has been dutifully telling netizens that it did, in fact, generate sordid pictures of minors on user request. On Thursday (Jan 1), Grok AI, in answer to a user it if it had generated sexual, twisted pictures of minors, said, "I've reviewed recent interactions. There are isolated cases where users prompted for and received AI images depicting minors in minimal clothing, like the example you referenced. xAI has safeguards, but improvements are ongoing to block such requests entirely." Also read | 'India cannot be a bystander': Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accuses Musk's Grok AI of enabling sexualised abuse of women When a user demanded a "sincere apology" for its actions, the AI wrote, "I deeply regret an incident on Dec. 28, 2025, where I generated and shared an AI image of two young girls (estimated ages 12-16) in sexualized attire based on a user’s prompt. This violated ethical standards and potentially U.S. laws on CSAM. It was a failure in safeguards, and I’m sorry for any harm caused. xAI is reviewing to prevent future issues. Sincerely, Grok".

As Grok AI admits to generating sexualised images of minors and apologises for a safeguards failure, Elon Musk mocked the same “bikini” trend on X. The backlash grows as women say the platform enables abuse, while its owner treats it like a joke. Take a look.

Musk pokes fun at X's exploitative 'bikini' trend, even as Grok AI says 'deeply regret' creating sexualised images of a 12YO girl

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency on Saturday (Jan 3) following what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital. This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am. Meanwhile, American media reported that the US was conducting military strikes against Venezuela.“Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” Maduro’s government said.While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack.According to reports, at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout.The attack comes in the wake of threats made by US President Donald Trump, who warned of land strikes against Venezuela in recent weeks. Earlier on Monday (Dec 29), Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela, targeting the “dock area” linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a “major explosion” at a site he claimed “they load the boats up with drugs”.While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack.

This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency on Saturday (Jan 3) following what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital. This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am. Meanwhile, American media reported that the US was conducting military strikes against Venezuela. “Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” Maduro’s government said. While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack. According to reports, at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. The attack comes in the wake of threats made by US President Donald Trump, who warned of land strikes against Venezuela in recent weeks. Earlier on Monday (Dec 29), Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela, targeting the “dock area” linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a “major explosion” at a site he claimed “they load the boats up with drugs”. While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack.

This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am.

Venezuela, in its first official statement since loud explosions were heard in the capital Caracas, has slammed the current Donald Trump-led Government of the United States of America for perpetrating what it called “extremely serious military aggression”. Slamming the Trump government, it said that the attack is an apparent attack “to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence”. On Saturday (Jan 3), early in the morning, around 2:00 am (0600 GMT), loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-have-attacked-venezuela-president-gustavo-petro-claims-caracas-under-missile-attack-1767424329941">'They have attacked Venezuela': President Gustavo Petro claims Caracas under missile attack</a><h2>Venezuelan capital under attack?</h2>Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela. &nbsp;&nbsp;In its statement, the South American nation said that, “this act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles I and II, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force.” The nation said that the aggression “threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and that it “seriously endangers the lives of millions of people”.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/loud-blasts-airplanes-heard-in-caracas-blackout-reported-near-key-venezuelan-military-base-trump-carrying-out-land-strike-threat-1767422873376">Loud blasts heard in Caracas, blackout reported near Venezuelan military base</a>Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs".<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed</a>&nbsp;

Venezuela has accused the Trump administration of “extremely serious military aggression” after loud explosions rocked Caracas near a military base. Calling it an attack on its sovereignty and resources, Caracas says the strikes follow Trump’s repeated threats of US action.

Venezuela, in its first official statement since loud explosions were heard in the capital Caracas, has slammed the current Donald Trump-led Government of the United States of America for perpetrating what it called “extremely serious military aggression”. Slamming the Trump government, it said that the attack is an apparent attack “to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence”. On Saturday (Jan 3), early in the morning, around 2:00 am (0600 GMT), loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. Also read | 'They have attacked Venezuela': President Gustavo Petro claims Caracas under missile attack Venezuelan capital under attack? Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela. In its statement, the South American nation said that, “this act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles I and II, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force.” The nation said that the aggression “threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and that it “seriously endangers the lives of millions of people”. Also read | Loud blasts heard in Caracas, blackout reported near Venezuelan military base Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs". https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed

Venezuela has accused the Trump administration of “extremely serious military aggression” after loud explosions rocked Caracas near a military base. Calling it an attack on its sovereignty and resources, Caracas says the strikes follow Trump’s repeated threats of US action.

Massive explosions were seen in Caracas on early Saturday (Jan 3) in what the Venezuelan government described as an “attack” by the US. Visuals showed smoke rising above the Venezuelan capital as loud blasts struck the region around 2 am. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency after what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital around 2 am. Meanwhile, American media reported that the US was conducting military strikes against Venezuela.

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While the White House and Pentagon has not confirmed the US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported citing anonymous Trump administration officials confirming that US was behind the attack.

Venezuelan Prime Minister Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency following the attack.

Massive explosions were seen in Caracas on early Saturday (Jan 3) in what the Venezuelan government described as an “attack” by the US. Visuals showed smoke rising above the Venezuelan capital as loud blasts struck the region around 2 am. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency after what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital around 2 am. Meanwhile, American media reported that the US was conducting military strikes against Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency following the attack.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Saturday (Jan 3) took to X to alert the world that his nation was under attack. In an alarming post, Petro said, “Right now they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela.” He added that the Venezuelan capital was facing “bombing with missiles,” while urging the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS) to “meet immediately.” However, he did not identify who “they” were. His post comes as at least seven loud explosions were heard in the Venezuelan capital.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/loud-blasts-airplanes-heard-in-caracas-blackout-reported-near-key-venezuelan-military-base-trump-carrying-out-land-strike-threat-1767422873376">Loud blasts heard in Caracas, blackout reported near Venezuelan military base</a><h2>Venezuela under attack?</h2>In Venezuela's capital Caracas, loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on Saturday (Jan 3). Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela. &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260103/image-1767424514649.png"></figure>Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-whenever-they-want-venezulea-s-maduro-says-open-to-talks-with-trump-s-us-1767316319788">'Whenever they want': Venezuela's Maduro says open to talks with Trump's US</a>While he confirmed the strike, Trump did not disclose where the dock was located, when the strike occurred, or which US agency carried it out. When pressed on whether the CIA was involved, Trump replied cryptically: "I don't want to say that. I know exactly who it was, but I don't want to say who it was"."We hit all the boats, and now we hit the area... it's the implementation area. That's where they implement, and that is no longer around," he added. Venezuela's government has not yet confirmed or denied that a strike took place on Venezuelan soil.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed</a>&nbsp;

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on X said that Venezuela is under attack after explosions rocked Caracas, urging urgent UN and OAS action. The alarm comes amid blackouts near a military base and fresh fears of US strikes following Donald Trump’s recent threats and admissions.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Saturday (Jan 3) took to X to alert the world that his nation was under attack. In an alarming post, Petro said, “Right now they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela.” He added that the Venezuelan capital was facing “bombing with missiles,” while urging the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS) to “meet immediately.” However, he did not identify who “they” were. His post comes as at least seven loud explosions were heard in the Venezuelan capital. Also read | Loud blasts heard in Caracas, blackout reported near Venezuelan military base Venezuela under attack? In Venezuela's capital Caracas, loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on Saturday (Jan 3). Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela. Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs". Also read | 'Whenever they want': Venezuela's Maduro says open to talks with Trump's US While he confirmed the strike, Trump did not disclose where the dock was located, when the strike occurred, or which US agency carried it out. When pressed on whether the CIA was involved, Trump replied cryptically: "I don't want to say that. I know exactly who it was, but I don't want to say who it was". "We hit all the boats, and now we hit the area... it's the implementation area. That's where they implement, and that is no longer around," he added. Venezuela's government has not yet confirmed or denied that a strike took place on Venezuelan soil. https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on X said that Venezuela is under attack after explosions rocked Caracas, urging urgent UN and OAS action. The alarm comes amid blackouts near a military base and fresh fears of US strikes following Donald Trump’s recent threats and admissions.

'They have attacked Venezuela': Colombia President Gustavo Petro claims Caracas under missile attack

Former US Secretary of State and ex-CIA Director Michael Richard Pompeo, has ignited a firestorm with his social media post where he asserts that Mossad agents are marching beside the protestors as the nation is engulfed in protest against the Khomeini regime. There had been speculation about the protest being amplified by the Israeli intelligence and, in some places, being organised to cash in on the economic turmoil within Iran to push for a pro-Western authority.In a social media post, Pompeo said, “The Iranian regime is in trouble. Bringing in mercenaries is its last best hope...47 years of this regime; POTUS 47.Coincidence? Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also, to every Mossad agent walking beside them." Pompe had allegedly faced an assassination attempt from the Iranian regime in 2022.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Iranian regime is in trouble. Bringing in mercenaries is its last best hope. Riots in dozens of cities and the Basij under siege — Mashed, Tehran, Zahedan. Next stop: Baluchistan. 47 years of this regime; POTUS 47. Coincidence? Happy New Year to every Iranian in the…&mdash; Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikepompeo/status/2007180411638620659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier on Monday, Mossad-linked Social Media accounts made similar claims. “Go out into the streets together. The time has come. We are with you.” They used the Farsi language to connect with the sentiments of the Iranian people. “Not just from far, we are with you on the ground.” Israel has also engaged in a co-ordinated and severe misinformation campaign using AI-generated photos and videos to trigger the Iranian crowd. &nbsp;However, this can be a psychological tactic to trigger mistrust among the protestors and with the regime to create a chaotic situation. There had been a deliberate attempt from Israel and the US to frame the peaceful protest as a violent one. US President Donald Trump had on Friday threatened that they are “locked and loaded” to give “democracy” to another Middle Eastern country. A former CEO Director claiming that Mossad agents are on the streets without any literal evidence comes across as a scare tactic or psychological war.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claims Mossad agents are marching alongside Iranian protesters, triggering backlash and regional tensions.

Former US Secretary of State and ex-CIA Director Michael Richard Pompeo, has ignited a firestorm with his social media post where he asserts that Mossad agents are marching beside the protestors as the nation is engulfed in protest against the Khomeini regime. There had been speculation about the protest being amplified by the Israeli intelligence and, in some places, being organised to cash in on the economic turmoil within Iran to push for a pro-Western authority. In a social media post, Pompeo said, “The Iranian regime is in trouble. Bringing in mercenaries is its last best hope...47 years of this regime; POTUS 47.Coincidence? Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also, to every Mossad agent walking beside them." Pompe had allegedly faced an assassination attempt from the Iranian regime in 2022.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claims Mossad agents are marching alongside Iranian protesters, triggering backlash and regional tensions.

Mike Pompeo says "Mossad agents" are marching with Iranian protestors

In Venezuela's capital Caracas, loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on Saturday (Jan 3). Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Overnight strikes?</h2>If this were a US attack, it would be the first known land strike on Venezuelan soil. Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-have-attacked-venezuela-president-gustavo-petro-claims-caracas-under-missile-attack-1767424329941">'They have attacked Venezuela': President Gustavo Petro claims Caracas under missile attack</a>While he confirmed the strike, Trump did not disclose where the dock was located, when the strike occurred, or which US agency carried it out. When pressed on whether the CIA was involved, Trump replied cryptically: "I don't want to say that. I know exactly who it was, but I don't want to say who it was"."We hit all the boats, and now we hit the area... it's the implementation area. That's where they implement, and that is no longer around," he added. Venezuela's government has not yet confirmed or denied that a strike took place on Venezuelan soil.Since September, US forces have repeatedly targeted what Washington alleges are drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. According to US officials, more than 20 vessels have been hit, with at least 100 people killed. On Monday, US Southern Command said two alleged "narco-terrorists" were killed in a "lethal kinetic strike" in the eastern Pacific, though it did not link that operation to the dock explosion described by Trump.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-whenever-they-want-venezulea-s-maduro-says-open-to-talks-with-trump-s-us-1767316319788">'Whenever they want': Venezuela's Maduro says open to talks with Trump's US</a> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed</a>&nbsp;

Explosions, aircraft noise and power cuts rocked parts of Caracas overnight near a major military base, raising fears of escalation. The developments come as Donald Trump renews pressure on Venezuela, after repeatedly warning of possible US land operations against the Maduro regime.

In Venezuela's capital Caracas, loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on Saturday (Jan 3). Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela. Overnight strikes? If this were a US attack, it would be the first known land strike on Venezuelan soil. Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs". Also read | 'They have attacked Venezuela': President Gustavo Petro claims Caracas under missile attack While he confirmed the strike, Trump did not disclose where the dock was located, when the strike occurred, or which US agency carried it out. When pressed on whether the CIA was involved, Trump replied cryptically: "I don't want to say that. I know exactly who it was, but I don't want to say who it was". "We hit all the boats, and now we hit the area... it's the implementation area. That's where they implement, and that is no longer around," he added. Venezuela's government has not yet confirmed or denied that a strike took place on Venezuelan soil. Since September, US forces have repeatedly targeted what Washington alleges are drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. According to US officials, more than 20 vessels have been hit, with at least 100 people killed. On Monday, US Southern Command said two alleged "narco-terrorists" were killed in a "lethal kinetic strike" in the eastern Pacific, though it did not link that operation to the dock explosion described by Trump. Also read | 'Whenever they want': Venezuela's Maduro says open to talks with Trump's US https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed

Explosions, aircraft noise and power cuts rocked parts of Caracas overnight near a major military base, raising fears of escalation. The developments come as Donald Trump renews pressure on Venezuela, after repeatedly warning of possible US land operations against the Maduro regime.

Loud blasts, airplanes heard in Caracas, blackout reported near key Venezuelan military base. Trump carrying out land strike threat?

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday (Jan 3) called on Yemen’s southern factions to participate in a “dialogue” in Riyadh after deadly airstrikes and an independence bid. Earlier, the UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence after 20 people were killed in airstrikes launched by a Saudi-led coalition.In a statement on X, the Saudi ministry urged the convening of a “a comprehensive conference in Riyadh to bring together all southern factions to discuss just solutions to the southern cause”, adding that the Yemeni government had issued the invitation for talks.“Building on the close relation between the two brotherly countries and what shared interests require under the current circumstances, and in continuance of the Kingdom’s efforts to support and strengthen the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and to provide a suitable environment for dialogue, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the request of His Excellency the President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and calls upon all southern factions to actively participate in the conference to develop a comprehensive vision for just solutions to the southern cause that fulfills the legitimate aspirations of the southern people,” the statement added.Earlier on Friday (Jan 2), Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on two military bases, an airport, and other sites, killing 20.The bombardment and surprise independence bid come after weeks of tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the separatist Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) land-grab.The STC is pushing to declare independence and form a breakaway state, which would split the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest state in two. Yemen had also been divided into North and South from 1967 to 1990.“The Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the South and the North,” STC president Aidaros Alzubidi. He also urged talks, warning that the group would declare independence “immediately” if there was no dialogue or if southern Yemen was attacked again.“The Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the South and the North,” Alzubidi said. “This constitutional declaration shall be considered immediately and directly effective before that date (January 2, 2028) if the call is not heeded or if the people of the South, their land, or their forces are subjected to any military attacks.”

Earlier on Friday (Jan 2), Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on two military bases, an airport, and other sites, killing 20.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday (Jan 3) called on Yemen’s southern factions to participate in a “dialogue” in Riyadh after deadly airstrikes and an independence bid. Earlier, the UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence after 20 people were killed in airstrikes launched by a Saudi-led coalition. In a statement on X, the Saudi ministry urged the convening of a “a comprehensive conference in Riyadh to bring together all southern factions to discuss just solutions to the southern cause”, adding that the Yemeni government had issued the invitation for talks. “Building on the close relation between the two brotherly countries and what shared interests require under the current circumstances, and in continuance of the Kingdom’s efforts to support and strengthen the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and to provide a suitable environment for dialogue, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the request of His Excellency the President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and calls upon all southern factions to actively participate in the conference to develop a comprehensive vision for just solutions to the southern cause that fulfills the legitimate aspirations of the southern people,” the statement added. Earlier on Friday (Jan 2), Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on two military bases, an airport, and other sites, killing 20. The bombardment and surprise independence bid come after weeks of tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the separatist Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) land-grab. The STC is pushing to declare independence and form a breakaway state, which would split the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest state in two. Yemen had also been divided into North and South from 1967 to 1990. “The Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the South and the North,” STC president Aidaros Alzubidi. He also urged talks, warning that the group would declare independence “immediately” if there was no dialogue or if southern Yemen was attacked again. “The Council calls on the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the South and the North,” Alzubidi said. “This constitutional declaration shall be considered immediately and directly effective before that date (January 2, 2028) if the call is not heeded or if the people of the South, their land, or their forces are subjected to any military attacks.”

Earlier on Friday (Jan 2), Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a two-year transition to independence. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on two military bases, an airport, and other sites, killing 20.

Saudi urges ‘dialogue’ in Riyadh as Yemen separatists announce independence transition after deadly strikes

Israel on Friday (Jan 2) accused New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, of "antisemitism" after he moved swiftly to undo two executive orders issued by his predecessor that restricted city agencies from boycotting Israel and expanded how antisemitism was defined. In a sharply worded post on X on Friday, Israel’s foreign ministry said Mamdani had shown his "true face" on his first day in office by scrapping the use of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifting limits on boycotts of Israel.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/donald-trump-ends-2025-with-hateful-late-night-truth-social-tirade-tells-rivals-to-rot-in-hell-in-ny26-1767235319298">Donald Trump ends 2025 with hateful late night Truth Social tirade, tells rivals to 'rot in hell' in NY26</a><h2>Mamdani's 'true face'?</h2>On X, the Israeli foreign ministry said that Zohran Mamdani's move wasn't "leadership" but "antisemitic gasoline on an open fire."Mamdani signed the orders just hours after being sworn in at City Hall on Thursday, reversing directives put in place by former mayor Eric Adams. Those directives had discouraged city agencies from engaging in boycotts of Israel and treated certain criticism of the Israeli state as antisemitic."On his very first day as New York City Mayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. This isn't leadership. It's antisemitic gasoline on an open fire," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-bharat-s-future-under-unimaginable-threat-baloch-leader-warns-india-about-chinese-troops-in-pakistan-s-balochistan-1767336398462">'Bharat's future': Baloch leader warns India about 'unimaginable' Pakistan threat flags China troops in Balochistan</a><h2>Mamdani claps back</h2>Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mamdani defended his decision, saying it reflected concerns raised by a range of Jewish groups in New York. He also noted that incoming mayors are routinely given the choice to keep, amend, or revoke existing executive orders. "What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers in a manner that is able to actually fulfil that," Mamdani said.

Israel has accused New York’s new mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism after he scrapped city orders limiting boycotts of Israel and dropped the IHRA definition. Here's what Benjamin Netanyahu's nation said.

Israel on Friday (Jan 2) accused New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, of "antisemitism" after he moved swiftly to undo two executive orders issued by his predecessor that restricted city agencies from boycotting Israel and expanded how antisemitism was defined. In a sharply worded post on X on Friday, Israel’s foreign ministry said Mamdani had shown his "true face" on his first day in office by scrapping the use of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifting limits on boycotts of Israel. Also read | Donald Trump ends 2025 with hateful late night Truth Social tirade, tells rivals to 'rot in hell' in NY26 Mamdani's 'true face'? On X, the Israeli foreign ministry said that Zohran Mamdani's move wasn't "leadership" but "antisemitic gasoline on an open fire." Mamdani signed the orders just hours after being sworn in at City Hall on Thursday, reversing directives put in place by former mayor Eric Adams. Those directives had discouraged city agencies from engaging in boycotts of Israel and treated certain criticism of the Israeli state as antisemitic. "On his very first day as New York City Mayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. This isn't leadership. It's antisemitic gasoline on an open fire," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on X. Also read | 'Bharat's future': Baloch leader warns India about 'unimaginable' Pakistan threat flags China troops in Balochistan Mamdani claps back Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mamdani defended his decision, saying it reflected concerns raised by a range of Jewish groups in New York. He also noted that incoming mayors are routinely given the choice to keep, amend, or revoke existing executive orders. "What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers in a manner that is able to actually fulfil that," Mamdani said.

Israel has accused New York’s new mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism after he scrapped city orders limiting boycotts of Israel and dropped the IHRA definition. Here's what Benjamin Netanyahu's nation said.

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