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Global stock markets, including the UK and US, reached record highs at the start of 2026. The FTSE 100 and US indices rose despite geopolitical tensions, driven by strong corporate earnings, sector gains, and investor confidence amid political turbulence in Venezuela and broader economic optimism.
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Venezuelan oil tankers, under US sanctions, have begun leaving ports, possibly defying the US embargo. The departures follow US military actions and sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil sector, with some vessels in dark mode. Oil exports remain critical for Venezuela's economy amid ongoing political turmoil.
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As of early January 2026, gold and silver prices have surged to historic highs, driven by geopolitical tensions following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and expectations of US interest rate cuts. Metals like copper also reached record levels, fueled by supply concerns and demand linked to AI and electrification. Oil prices remain volatile amid US interventions in Venezuela's oil sector.
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On January 3, 2026, US forces launched a military operation in Venezuela, seizing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their compound and transferring them to the US for trial on drug trafficking charges. This follows months of US military strikes on alleged drug smuggling vessels and a buildup of forces in the Caribbean. Venezuela's Supreme Court named Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as interim president amid the crisis.
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2025 is the deadliest year on record for journalists, with 126 killed worldwide, mainly due to Gaza bombings. Assaults on U.S. reporters have increased, and at least 323 journalists are imprisoned globally. The U.S. president has publicly attacked the press, limiting access and funding.
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As of early January 2026, the US has escalated its military campaign against Venezuelan drug trafficking by conducting its first known land strike on a dock used by the Tren de Aragua gang to load narcotics onto boats. The CIA reportedly carried out the operation, destroying the facility without casualties. This follows over 30 maritime strikes since September targeting drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing at least 110 people. Venezuela denies involvement in drug trafficking and accuses the US of seeking regime change.
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Venezuela has released at least 187 prisoners over the past two weeks, including nearly 200 political detainees, amid US pressure and ongoing protests. The releases follow a broader crackdown on dissent, with NGOs estimating around 900 political prisoners remain detained. The government claims these are not political prisoners but imprisoned politicians seeking to destabilize the country.
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As of January 4, 2026, Iran is experiencing widespread protests led by students, shopkeepers, and bazaar merchants triggered by a record plunge of the rial to 1.42 million per US dollar and inflation exceeding 42%. The government acknowledges the unrest, pledging dialogue and economic reforms, while tensions rise following US and Israeli strikes in 2025 and renewed sanctions.
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Indigenous shamans in Peru and Bolivia performed a ceremony predicting political upheavals, including the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and ongoing conflicts like Ukraine. They forecast natural disasters and global tensions, with mixed accuracy in past predictions. The event highlights the cultural role of indigenous rituals in forecasting the future.
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The US Coast Guard continues to track the Bella 1, a tanker claiming Russian protection after refusing US boarding in the Caribbean. The vessel, involved in sanctions violations, has changed course and painted a Russian flag, complicating US efforts amid broader geopolitical tensions.
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Protests in Iran have expanded across 27 provinces, with over 1,200 detained and 29 killed, including four children. The death of a Basij volunteer has raised fears of a harsher crackdown amid ongoing economic hardship and currency devaluation. US warns Iran over violent suppression.
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President Trump announced plans for US oil companies to take control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves following a military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro. The move aims to boost US oil production but raises questions about legality and international law, amid ongoing sanctions and geopolitical tensions.
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Venezuelan President Maduro has signaled a willingness to engage in US talks over drug trafficking, oil, and migration, amid ongoing US sanctions and military actions targeting alleged drug smuggling boats. Maduro accused the US of seeking regime change and access to Venezuela's oil reserves, while recent US strikes have killed at least 115 people, including Venezuelans.
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Over the past week, the US military has conducted multiple strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, claiming they were drug traffickers. The operations have resulted in at least 115 deaths, with survivors and legal experts raising concerns over potential extrajudicial killings amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
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The U.S. executed a pre-dawn raid in Caracas, detaining President Maduro and his wife on drug trafficking charges. This follows escalating U.S. threats, including sanctions and military actions, aimed at pressuring Maduro to leave office amid ongoing tensions and Venezuela's political crisis.
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The U.S. launched a covert military operation in Caracas targeting Venezuelan President Maduro, claiming to apprehend him and his wife on drug-related charges. The operation involved a darkened assault on a fortified residence, with reports of casualties and injuries. Maduro and Flores were flown to a U.S. warship for transfer to New York.
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On January 3, 2026, the US launched large-scale military strikes on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. President Trump announced Maduro's removal and said the US would oversee Venezuela until a transition. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the strikes and demanded proof of life. The operation marks a major escalation amid accusations of drug trafficking and US sanctions.
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U.S. forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after months of escalating military and diplomatic pressure. Maduro, accused of drug trafficking and human rights abuses, was flown out of the country following a series of U.S. strikes and sanctions. His arrest marks a dramatic shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
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The US launched a military operation in Venezuela overnight, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas. UK officials confirmed they are not involved and are focused on safeguarding British nationals in the country. The event marks a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations.
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On January 3, 2026, US special forces launched a large-scale military operation in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Maduro was flown to New York to face drug trafficking and weapons charges. President Trump declared the US would run Venezuela until a political transition occurs, signaling potential long-term involvement and interest in Venezuela's oil reserves.
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On January 3, 2026, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas during a military operation. They were flown to New York and charged with narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses. Maduro and associates allegedly collaborated with drug cartels to traffic cocaine into the US for over 25 years. Maduro pleaded not guilty on January 5.
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Following a US military operation in Venezuela, the FAA imposed airspace restrictions across the Caribbean, causing widespread cancellations and delays. Major US airlines canceled hundreds of flights, stranding travelers in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and nearby destinations. Airlines are now adding flights and waiving fees to manage the disruption.
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Venezuela's government remains uncertain after US strikes targeted Maduro's allies. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez appeared on state TV denying Maduro's removal, amid ongoing speculation about her potential to assume power. Key officials survived the attack, but the political future remains unclear.
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The US announced it has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation, with Maduro and his wife flown to New York. President Trump stated the US will 'run' Venezuela until a 'safe, proper transition' occurs, raising questions about legality and regional stability. UK and international responses remain cautious.
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In a coordinated overnight operation, US forces conducted a military raid in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation involved extensive planning, air and land assaults, and was executed in perfect weather conditions. Maduro is now in US custody to face drug-related charges.
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President Trump suggests Cuba is on the brink of collapse due to loss of Venezuelan oil income. He indicates military intervention is unlikely, but the situation signals increased US pressure on Havana amid regional instability and economic hardship.
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Following a surprise US operation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured, sparking fears of instability. Venezuelans face shortages, power outages, and a tense political landscape, with reports of armed groups and limited control by authorities. The situation remains volatile as the country navigates this unexpected turn.
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The US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on a US warship, charging him with narco-terrorism. The operation followed months of aggressive military actions in the region, raising legal and constitutional questions about presidential powers and international law. The event marks a significant escalation in US intervention in Venezuela.
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U.S. energy companies are considering investments in Venezuela's oil sector amid political and infrastructural uncertainties. President Trump has claimed that major firms will rebuild the country's oil industry, but experts warn that significant legal, security, and investment hurdles remain, and current sanctions complicate prospects.
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The U.S. military has seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, citing narcoterrorism charges. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the operation as an invasion, asserting Maduro remains Venezuela's legitimate leader. The U.S. plans a transitional government with international backing, escalating tensions in the region.
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North Korea launched several ballistic missiles early Sunday, flying about 560 miles toward eastern waters. The launches occurred ahead of its Workers' Party congress, with South Korea and the US closely monitoring. The event coincides with South Korea's president visiting China to seek regional stability.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured in Venezuela and transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they face federal charges including narco-terrorism. The detention center is notorious for poor conditions and violence, raising concerns about their safety and the facility's management. The pair are scheduled for court appearances soon.
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Recent U.S. actions may not immediately impact oil prices but could significantly alter Venezuela's oil output. Analysts see potential for Venezuela to double or triple current production levels, depending on political stability and investment. Market reactions show optimism, especially among refineries and oil service companies.
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The US launched a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation involved airstrikes and arrests, prompting international reactions. The African Union and EU called for restraint and respect for international law amid the escalation. Maduro faces US charges, and regional tensions rise.
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On January 4-5, 2026, US President Donald Trump reiterated his ambition to annex Greenland, citing national security and defense needs. This followed a US military operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, raising fears in Denmark and Greenland of similar US actions. Danish and Greenlandic leaders strongly rejected US annexation threats, emphasizing sovereignty and mutual respect.
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US forces launched a military strike in Caracas early Saturday, targeting military sites and detaining President Maduro on narcotrafficking charges. The Venezuelan military recognized Rodriguez as acting president, while protests and uncertainty spread across the country and neighboring regions. Maduro faces a court appearance in New York today.
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North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles, including hypersonic weapons, just before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s trip to China. The tests aim to demonstrate military progress amid regional tensions and international crises, with Kim Jong Un emphasizing nuclear deterrence.
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U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Cuba mourns Cuban personnel killed during the operation, which targeted Maduro on drug trafficking charges. The event deepens regional tensions amid ongoing U.S.-Venezuela and Cuba relations.
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President Trump has renewed calls for U.S. control over Greenland, citing strategic and economic interests, while warning Cuba and Venezuela. Denmark opposes any annexation, and the situation raises concerns about regional stability and NATO security amid broader geopolitical shifts.
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Amid rising US threats to annex Greenland, UK and Danish leaders reaffirm sovereignty and oppose US claims. US President Donald Trump has cited national security concerns, prompting diplomatic protests from Denmark and Greenland's leadership. The debate highlights tensions over sovereignty, NATO unity, and international law, with potential geopolitical repercussions.
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Nicolás Maduro was captured by US forces in Venezuela and transported to the US, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy. Maduro claims he is still the president and was kidnapped. The case highlights ongoing tensions over Venezuela's leadership and US legal actions.
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured in a US military operation. Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president amid protests. Maduro pleaded not guilty in US court to narco-terrorism charges, while the US signals plans to manage Venezuela's oil industry and seek cooperation.