Mon Jan 05 01:45:32 UTC 2026: Summary:
In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a raid on January 3, 2026. Maduro is scheduled to appear in a New York court on January 5th to face charges of “narcoterrorism.” The U.S. military action has sparked international condemnation, with China accusing the U.S. of acting as a “world judge” and Russia deeming the actions unlawful. China also is asking its banks for their exposure to Venezuelan debt. Internally, Delcy Rodriguez has been appointed as interim President of Venezuela, creating a commission to seek Maduro’s release. However, President Trump warned Rodriguez that she may pay a “bigger price” if she does not cooperate. The situation has triggered protests worldwide, including in Chennai, India, where CPI(M) members were detained while attempting to protest at the U.S. Consulate. The military action has boosted defense stocks globally, while simultaneously increasing geopolitical tensions, reflected in rising gold prices and safe-haven demand, but a small decrease in oil prices. Cuba has reported the deaths of 32 officers who were on a mission for the Venezuelan government. Trump also has threatened military action against Colombia and annexation of Greenland.
News Article:
U.S. Seizes Venezuelan President Maduro, Sparks Global Outcry
New York, NY – January 5, 2026 – In a stunning move, the United States military apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a raid on Caracas on January 3rd. Maduro is slated to appear before a federal judge in New York today on charges of “narcoterrorism.”
The capture has ignited a firestorm of international condemnation. China’s top diplomat decried the U.S. action as acting as a “world judge”, while Russia has labeled the move as “unlawful and destabilizing.” The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session at Venezuela’s request. The action also has prompted China to demand that its banks report exposure to Venezuela.
Inside Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez has been appointed interim President and has extended an offer to cooperate with the U.S., yet President Trump threatened Rodriguez with “bigger price” if she did not.
Protests have erupted globally, including Chennai, India, where communist party members were detained while protesting at the U.S. consulate. Defense stocks surged in Europe, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions. Conversely, safe-haven assets like gold saw a significant price increase.
Meanwhile Cuba reported its security forces lost 32 soldiers who were working in Venezuela.
President Trump’s actions have drawn further controversy with threats of military action against Colombia and renewed interest in annexing Greenland. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation and significant shifts in the global geopolitical landscape.
First Piper 