Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Venezuelans wonder who’s in charge as Trump claims contact with Maduro’s deputy

    Venezuelans wonder who’s in charge as Trump claims contact with Maduro’s deputy

    BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Venezuela has been plunged into a profound constitutional crisis following the dramatic capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces. The operation has triggered urgent questions about legitimate leadership and the nation’s political future, creating widespread uncertainty among citizens and officials alike.

    In a stunning development, former U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly endorsed Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, as a potential successor despite her history of facing U.S. sanctions for undermining Venezuelan democracy. Trump revealed that Rodríguez had engaged in extensive discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which she allegedly expressed willingness to cooperate with American objectives.

    “She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” Trump told reporters, simultaneously dismissing opposition leader Maria Corina Machado—the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize laureate—as lacking sufficient support to govern effectively.

    Rodríguez responded to these developments with defiant rhetoric on state television, demanding Maduro’s immediate release and condemning the U.S. operation as a flagrant violation of international law. Flanked by senior civilian officials and military commanders, she emphatically declared: “There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolás Maduro.”

    The situation remains highly fluid with no visible U.S. administration presence in Venezuela. Constitutional provisions requiring a new election within thirty days of presidential absence now face extraordinary complications due to the military intervention and questions about the government’s legitimacy.

    Venezuelan military leaders projected unwavering defiance, with Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino López asserting “They have attacked us but will not break us.” Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello appeared in combat gear, urging citizens to defend national sovereignty against what he characterized as “rats” who would “regret what they did.”

    Rodríguez’s complex profile includes strong connections to Wall Street and Republican oil interests, having previously engaged with figures including Blackwater founder Erik Prince and Trump special envoy Richard Grenell. Unlike many Maduro associates facing U.S. criminal indictments, Rodríguez and her brother Jorge—who leads the Maduro-controlled National Assembly—have avoided legal prosecution while maintaining leftist credentials rooted in their father’s tragic death in police custody during the 1970s.

    The opposition movement, led by Machado, maintains that retired diplomat Edmundo González—widely believed to have won the disputed 2024 presidential election—should immediately assume constitutional authority. Machado pledged to restore order, free political prisoners, and reclaim democratic governance, asserting readiness to “assert our mandate and take power.”

    With military forces traditionally serving as Venezuela’s ultimate political arbiter, Rodríguez faces significant challenges in consolidating authority. Experts emphasize that the resolution will depend heavily on the current state of military capabilities and which officials were detained during the operation.

    Venezuelan citizens expressed widespread shock and confusion, with many speculating on social media about possible mistaken identity in Trump’s comments regarding the two prominent female political figures.

  • Explainer: Why did the US strike Venezuela, and why does it matter?

    Explainer: Why did the US strike Venezuela, and why does it matter?

    In a dramatic escalation of long-standing tensions, United States military forces conducted airstrikes against multiple Venezuelan military installations on January 3rd, 2026, including targets within the capital region of Caracas. The operation, characterized by former President Donald Trump as a “large-scale strike” against a “narco-terrorist regime,” represents the most significant direct military confrontation between the two nations in modern history.

    The Trump administration has formally justified the intervention as a counter-narcotics measure, alleging that the government of Nicolás Maduro has systematically facilitated cocaine shipments from Venezuela to the United States. In a controversial social media announcement, Trump further claimed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended during the operation and subsequently transported out of the country. Venezuelan authorities, however, have declared a national emergency while vehemently denying these capture claims and demanding verifiable proof of the leaders’ status.

    This crisis culminates months of escalating hostilities that began with a US naval interdiction operation in the Caribbean in September 2025. The subsequent expansion of American military assets throughout the region, coupled with the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker and restrictive measures against sanctioned vessels, has severely strained Venezuela’s already crippled economy.

    Washington’s accusations extend beyond general drug trafficking, specifically indicting Maduro as the leader of the ‘Cartel of the Suns’—an alleged network involving high-ranking Venezuelan military and political figures. These charges, initially filed by the US Justice Department in 2020, have been consistently dismissed by Caracas as politically motivated fabrications designed to orchestrate regime change.

    Analysts suggest that while counter-narcotics provides the public justification, the conflict is fundamentally rooted in geopolitical competition. Venezuela’s strategic alliances with Russia, China, and Iran, combined with its vast petroleum reserves, have long positioned it as a focal point of US foreign policy concerns in Latin America. The operation is viewed by many as an attempt to curb growing foreign influence and reassert regional dominance.

    Domestically, the strikes have received notable support among Venezuelan diaspora communities, particularly in electorally critical states like Florida. Recent polling indicates significantly higher support for military intervention among Venezuelans abroad (64%) compared to those within the country (34%).

    The global implications are substantial, with energy markets monitoring the situation closely. Any prolonged disruption to Venezuela’s oil production capacity could trigger fluctuations in worldwide crude prices, potentially affecting economic stability and inflation rates across international markets.

  • Watch: How the US attack on Venezuela unfolded

    Watch: How the US attack on Venezuela unfolded

    In a dramatic escalation of international tensions, the United States has initiated direct military action against Venezuela, culminating in the reported capture of the nation’s leader, Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, declaring that the U.S. would subsequently “run” the South American country. This intervention marks a significant turning point in the long-standing political and economic crisis that has plagued Venezuela, representing the most direct foreign involvement in the nation’s sovereignty to date. The strikes, which targeted key strategic locations, were justified by the U.S. administration as a necessary measure to restore democracy and alleviate a severe humanitarian crisis. The international community is now watching closely, with reactions ranging from strong support to vehement condemnation, as this action sets a profound precedent for international law and foreign policy. The unfolding situation raises critical questions about the future of Venezuelan governance, the regional balance of power in Latin America, and the broader implications for global diplomatic norms.

  • EU urges de-escalation in Venezuela

    EU urges de-escalation in Venezuela

    The European Union has issued urgent calls for de-escalation following significant military developments in Venezuela. European Council President Antonio Costa expressed profound concern regarding the escalating situation, emphasizing the EU’s position through a formal statement released on social media platform X.

    Costa articulated the Union’s firm stance, advocating for peaceful resolution mechanisms that strictly adhere to international legal frameworks and the foundational principles of the United Nations Charter. The EU leadership reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic processes and inclusive political solutions within the South American nation.

    Concurrently, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas engaged in high-level diplomatic communications, including discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Kallas confirmed that safeguarding European citizens in Venezuela remains the bloc’s paramount priority, with coordination efforts underway through the EU’s diplomatic mission in Caracas.

    The diplomatic developments follow explosive reports from Caracas, where Venezuelan authorities condemned what they characterized as ‘military aggression’ by the United States. Witness accounts described substantial aerial activity and detonations across the capital city throughout Saturday.

    These events culminated in extraordinary claims from US President Donald Trump, who announced that American forces had successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro along with his spouse, subsequently transporting them out of the country. The EU’s statements notably refrained from explicit commentary on these specific allegations while maintaining consistent emphasis on diplomatic resolution and international law compliance.

  • Thick fog at Dubai’s Half Desert turns camping nights into rare, unreal experiences

    Thick fog at Dubai’s Half Desert turns camping nights into rare, unreal experiences

    An extraordinary meteorological event transformed Dubai’s Half Desert into an ethereal landscape as unusually dense fog enveloped the region in the early hours of January 3, 2026. What began as a typical clear night for desert campers rapidly evolved into a rare atmospheric phenomenon that reduced visibility to near-zero conditions, creating both magical experiences and significant travel challenges.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the fog system began developing around 1:30 AM, gradually obscuring sand dunes and access roads with an impenetrable white blanket. Mohammed Ardashir, an Iranian resident camping with friends, described the surreal transformation: ‘The desert appeared completely enveloped in clouds. We could scarcely see the adjacent tents, creating an almost supernatural atmosphere that defied our typical desert expectations.’

    While some adventurers embraced the unusual conditions as a unique natural spectacle, others prioritized safety considerations. Mantuf Khan and his camping group made the cautious decision to depart around 4:30 AM, navigating desert roads at reduced speeds below 30 km/h with hazard lights activated. ‘The driving conditions became exceptionally challenging with virtually no visibility beyond our immediate vicinity,’ Khan reported. ‘All vehicles maintained extended following distances and extreme caution.’

    Local desert caretaker Shahnawaz Khan provided meteorological context, noting that such dense fog formations represent characteristic winter weather patterns typically occurring during December and January. However, the intensity and duration of this particular event distinguished it from ordinary seasonal occurrences, potentially persisting throughout the weekend according to historical weather patterns.

    The phenomenon generated contrasting responses among desert visitors. Those who remained described an exceptionally tranquil environment where the typical auditory landscape became muffled and transformed. The experience of observing fog movement around traditional camping arrangements while consuming warm beverages created unexpectedly peaceful moments despite the unusual circumstances.

    This event highlights the dynamic intersection between desert tourism and natural weather variability in the UAE region, demonstrating how environmental conditions can rapidly alter recreational experiences while emphasizing the importance of safety preparedness during winter camping expeditions.

  • Pets, planes and a ‘fortress’: inside Trump’s raid on Maduro

    Pets, planes and a ‘fortress’: inside Trump’s raid on Maduro

    In a meticulously orchestrated covert operation spanning several months, US forces successfully captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a dramatic nighttime raid that culminated years of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. Codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” the mission unfolded with surgical precision, combining advanced surveillance, military might, and strategic deception.

    US intelligence agencies had maintained constant surveillance on Maduro since August, meticulously tracking his movements, dietary habits, and even his pets. According to Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, American operatives built an intricate profile of the Venezuelan leader’s routines despite his efforts to frequently change locations as tensions with Washington mounted.

    The military operation involved months of precise planning, including the construction of a replica house identical to Maduro’s residence for training purposes. By early December, US forces stood ready, awaiting optimal conditions including favorable weather patterns. President Trump revealed he initially ordered the mission four days prior to execution but delayed for perfect operational circumstances.

    At 10:46 pm Washington time on Friday, President Trump gave the final authorization, offering the troops “Good luck and Godspeed” before more than 150 military aircraft launched from both land and sea bases. The mission core involved helicopters flying at merely 100 feet above ocean surface, supported by fighter jets providing air cover while US satellite and cyber capabilities disabled Venezuelan radar systems.

    The operation reached its climax as explosions rocked Caracas just before 2 am local time, with US forces specifically targeting Venezuelan air defenses to enable the extraction team’s approach. President Trump monitored the entire operation via live feed from a makeshift situation room at his Mar-a-Lago resort, accompanied by top administration officials including Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA director John Ratcliffe.

    Describing Maduro’s compound as “a fortress” with steel doors and security rooms, Trump noted that specialized equipment including massive blowtorches had been prepared though ultimately proved unnecessary. The Venezuelan leader and his wife surrendered without significant resistance and were taken into custody facing US drugs and terrorism charges. Both were transported to the USS Iwo Jima by 3:29 am, with President Trump announcing the successful operation on Truth Social at 4:21 am Washington time.

    The first visual confirmation of Maduro’s capture emerged through Trump’s social media channels, showing the former leader blindfolded, handcuffed, wearing ear protectors and a Nike tracksuit—a stark image marking the conclusion of one of the most sophisticated special operations in recent history.

  • Israel’s opposition leader urges Iran to ‘pay close attention’ to Venezuela

    Israel’s opposition leader urges Iran to ‘pay close attention’ to Venezuela

    In a significant escalation of diplomatic rhetoric, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid issued a stark warning to Iranian leadership, urging them to “pay close attention to what is happening in Venezuela.” This statement, delivered via social media platform X, appeared to reference the recent U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

    The comments emerged amidst widespread international condemnation of the United States’ intervention in the oil-rich South American nation, with numerous global officials decrying the action as a violation of international law. Iran, a key ally of Venezuela, was among the first nations to condemn the U.S. operation, characterizing it as a “flagrant violation of Venezuela’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

    The Iranian foreign ministry released an official statement asserting that “the US military attack on Venezuela constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic rules of international law.” The ministry further warned that American military aggression could trigger global consequences, emphasizing Venezuela’s “inherent right to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination.”

    In contrast to the international criticism, Israel expressed support for Maduro’s removal. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated on X: “Israel welcomes the removal of the dictator who led a network of drugs and terror and hopes for the return of democracy to the country and for friendly relations between the states.”

    The geopolitical tensions escalated further when former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened potential intervention in Iran amid domestic protests, declaring: “If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”

    Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani responded with a warning that U.S. intervention “corresponds to chaos in the entire region and the destruction of US interests,” likely referencing Iranian capabilities to target American military bases in the region.

    Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following meetings with Trump, publicly advocated for renewed military action against Iran, accusing Tehran of “exporting terrorism not only to every part of the Middle East, but to Venezuela” and alleging Iranian collaboration with the Maduro regime.

  • Trump takes huge political gamble in Venezuela regime change

    Trump takes huge political gamble in Venezuela regime change

    President Donald Trump’s administration finds itself navigating treacherous political waters following a high-stakes military operation in Venezuela that successfully captured leader Nicholas Maduro. The daring special forces mission, involving helicopter deployments, aerial bombardments, and naval support, concluded without American casualties—a tactical victory that nonetheless ignited immediate controversy across the U.S. political spectrum.

    The operation represents a striking departure from Trump’s longstanding isolationist rhetoric. For years, the president championed his ‘America First’ doctrine, criticizing foreign entanglements and famously denouncing the Iraq invasion as “a stupid thing.” This ideological foundation of his MAGA movement now faces its most significant test as the administration justifies intervention in Venezuela.

    Democratic leaders launched swift condemnations, with Senator Chuck Schumer labeling the mission “reckless” and Iraq veteran Senator Ruben Gallego declaring it “illegal.” Meanwhile, Trump’s Republican allies mounted a vigorous defense. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the action “decisive and justified,” while Senator Tom Cotton praised the president and military personnel for the “incredible operation.”

    Yet beneath surface unity, cracks appear within Trump’s base. Conservative Senator Mike Lee initially questioned the constitutional justification before being reassured the operation merely executed an arrest warrant. More significantly, MAGA firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene delivered a scathing critique, challenging the administration’s narcotics trafficking justification and drawing uncomfortable parallels between Venezuelan regime change and Russian or Chinese aggression. Her conclusion—”Boy were we wrong”—signals potential disillusionment among Trump’s core supporters who believed they voted to end foreign interventions.

    The administration now confronts complex questions about legal authority, strategic consistency, and political fallout that may reverberate through the upcoming election cycle.

  • Yemen presidency says Saudi-backed forces retake key province

    Yemen presidency says Saudi-backed forces retake key province

    In a significant escalation of intra-coalition tensions, Saudi-backed forces have successfully reclaimed control over Yemen’s resource-rich Hadramawt province following intense military confrontations with UAE-supported separatists. The operation, which commenced on Friday, marks a dramatic reversal in the ongoing power struggle between Gulf allies whose competing interests have fractured Yemen’s anti-Houthi alliance.

    Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, confirmed that National Shield forces achieved ‘record success’ in retaking all military and security positions throughout the strategic border province. The development comes just months after the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) had captured the region, creating a direct confrontation between the oil-rich Gulf powers.

    Military officials reported that neighboring Mahra province similarly switched allegiance back to Saudi-backed forces without resistance, with separatist flags being replaced by Yemeni national banners. The transition occurred amid intensified Saudi airstrikes targeting STC positions, including a Friday attack on Al-Khasha military camp that resulted in 20 casualties according to separatist sources.

    Eyewitness accounts from Mukalla described security breakdowns and looting as STC forces retreated, with residents observing military vehicles transporting household appliances amid the withdrawal. Satellite imagery and local reports confirmed Saudi warplanes conducted intensive strikes on STC camps at Barshid, though exact casualty figures remain unverified.

    Diplomatic efforts intensified simultaneously, with Saudi Arabia issuing calls for a conference in Riyadh to unite southern factions. The foreign ministry emphasized the need for ‘just solutions to the southern cause’ through dialogue. Both the STC and UAE subsequently expressed willingness to engage in talks, while Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain voiced support for negotiated settlements that preserve Yemen’s territorial integrity.

    The developments occur against the STC’s announced two-year transitional plan toward potential independence, including proposed referendums and dialogue with northern Houthi rebels. STC president Aidaros Alzubidi warned that immediate independence declarations would follow if southern Yemen faced further attacks or dialogue failed.

    This military realignment underscores the complex fragmentation of Yemen’s conflict, where the Saudi-led coalition continues battling Houthi rebels in the north while its constituent members fight proxy wars in the south, complicating peace efforts after nearly a decade of civil war.

  • Ukraine’s allies in Kyiv for talks on plan to end war

    Ukraine’s allies in Kyiv for talks on plan to end war

    Senior security officials from fifteen nations, including key European powers and international bodies, convened in Kyiv this Saturday for high-stakes discussions on a United States-mediated strategy to terminate the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. The assembly marks the inaugural diplomatic gathering of the new year, with participants from Britain, France, Germany, NATO, and the European Union in attendance.

    The dialogue, which Ukrainian Chief Negotiator Rustem Umerov detailed via Telegram, centered on foundational documents outlining potential security guarantees and methodologies for implementing a peace formula. A subsequent European leadership summit is anticipated in France early next week to advance these multilateral efforts.

    These intensified diplomatic initiatives unfold against a backdrop of persistent military aggression. Recent days have witnessed lethal strikes in multiple regions, including Kharkiv and Kherson, resulting in civilian casualties. Moscow and Kyiv remain fundamentally divided over territorial sovereignty, with Russia currently occupying approximately twenty percent of Ukraine’s landmass and insisting on complete dominion over the eastern Donbas region as a non-negotiable condition for any settlement.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a firm declaration during a Saturday press briefing, emphasizing that absent a diplomatic breakthrough compelling Russian withdrawal, Ukraine would steadfastly continue its defensive campaign. He explicitly rejected any agreement that would compromise territorial integrity or fail to establish durable deterrence against future invasions.

    The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by parallel international crises, notably a large-scale U.S. military engagement in Venezuela, which diverted some attention from the proceedings. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has initiated significant restructuring within Ukraine’s leadership and regional governance, signaling a strategic consolidation as the conflict extends into another year of devastating warfare.