TRUMP'S ATTACK ON VENEZUELA: A HUGE SHIFT IN GLOBAL POLITICS

WORLD RECAP

- ANSHU JOSHI

This week will be marked by significant turmoil in global politics. In the middle of two active war zones and escalating violence in Bangladesh, the citizens of Iran took to the streets to protest against the Islamic conservative regime, which has consistently threatened democracy, hindered economic and social advancement, and oppressed women. As if this situation were not dire enough, Donald Trump initiated an assault on Venezuela, resulting in the apprehension of President Maduro and his wife, who have since been incarcerated in a facility in Brooklyn. On January 3, 2026, the US executed a substantial military operation in Venezuela, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, leading to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. This offensive has provoked widespread international outrage and considerable instability in the region.

Over 150 US military aircraft conducted airstrikes across northern Venezuela to suppress air defences and strike infrastructure, including a military hangar and telecommunications antennas. US. Army Delta Force, supported by the FBI, raided Maduro’s high-security residence in Caracas during the midnight hours. Maduro and Flores were extracted and flown to New York to face “narco-terrorism” and cocaine-trafficking conspiracy charges. Reports indicate at least 100 deaths, including 23 Venezuelan military personnel and 32 Cuban military/intelligence personnel. Civilian fatalities were also reported in residential areas hit by strikes.