Suspected Colombian guerrilla commanders are fleeing Venezuela following a U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power, according to a Colombian security source cited by AFP on Tuesday. The report said the situation emerged after Washington’s weekend assault in Caracas, which led to Maduro’s ouster. Colombia has long suspected that leaders of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and remnants of the disbanded FARC group had taken refuge in Venezuela, controlling cocaine trafficking routes along the border.

Security analysts noted that several ELN bases operated inside Venezuela under conditions tolerated by the Maduro government, though Caracas consistently denied such allegations. A Colombian military officer told AFP that guerrilla leaders are now attempting to cross back into Colombia. In response, Bogotá’s defense ministry warned that their presence near the border could pose a serious national security threat. Thousands of troops have been deployed along the more than 2,200-kilometer frontier to prevent potential attacks.

AFP journalists reported visible Colombian army patrols in the border city of Cúcuta on Tuesday.

A United States-made fourth-generation F-16 fighter jet crashed off Taiwan’s eastern coast during a routine training mission, according to a statement from the Taiwanese Air Force on Wednesday. The single-seat aircraft took off from Hualien Air Base at 6:17 p.m. local time on Tuesday and went down at 7:29 p.m., about 10 nautical miles east of Fengbin Township in Hualien County. Authorities believe the pilot ejected safely, and search operations were launched immediately after the crash.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Li said that Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai called on Taiwan’s Coast Guard and nearby fishing vessels to assist in the search and rescue efforts. The Air Force has not yet provided further details about the cause of the crash or the pilot’s condition.

Taiwan maintains close defense ties with the United States amid tensions with China. The island recently ordered 66 new F-16V jets from the U.S. and began upgrading 141 older F-16A/B aircraft to the V standard in 2023.

Iran has executed a man named Ali Ardestani after convicting him of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad. The execution was carried out following approval from the country’s Supreme Court and completion of legal procedures, according to Mizan, the media outlet of Iran’s judiciary, which reported the event on Wednesday.

Mizan stated that Ardestani had provided sensitive national information to Mossad. The report noted that Iran has executed several individuals over the years for alleged links to Israel’s intelligence network. The number of such executions has risen notably this year, particularly after Israeli and U.S. forces attacked Iranian nuclear facilities in June, leading to direct confrontations between the two nations.

Observers view Iran’s latest execution as a reflection of the continuing hostility and security tensions between Iran and Israel, two long-time regional adversaries.

A Reuters poll has found that one-third of Americans support the recent US military strike in Venezuela, while 72 percent are concerned about deeper US involvement in the South American nation. The two-day survey, concluded on Monday, showed sharp political divisions, with 65 percent of Republicans backing President Donald Trump’s military action, compared to only 11 percent of Democrats and 23 percent of general voters.

The poll followed a US military operation early Saturday in Caracas, where American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The United States has long accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking. Analysts noted that Trump, who had previously criticized other presidents for foreign wars, has now taken direct military action abroad. In a post-operation press conference, Trump declared that the US would take control of Venezuela, sparking widespread international debate.

Political analysts described the move as a major strategic decision for the Trump administration, especially ahead of the midterm elections that will determine congressional control for the final two years of his term.

All flights at Aleppo International Airport in Syria have been temporarily suspended following clashes between government security forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Tuesday. The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced that the decision was made to ensure the safety of passengers, flight crews, and airport operations.

According to the authority’s statement, all scheduled flights will be redirected to Damascus International Airport until technical and security assessments are completed in coordination with relevant agencies. The suspension has been described as a precautionary and temporary measure, with updates to be provided once the review period ends or if new developments occur.

Authorities have advised passengers to contact their airlines for updated flight information. The SDF, led by the YPG group, has been blamed for a terrorist attack in Aleppo that killed one soldier and four civilians and injured several others.

China has announced the suspension of exports of dual-use goods to Japan following heightened bilateral tensions triggered by Japan’s comments on the Taiwan issue. In a statement issued on Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the restriction applies to products usable in both civilian and military sectors. The ban covers items such as drones and certain rare earth materials used in semiconductor production. Exports to Japanese military users or for purposes that could enhance Japan’s military capability are prohibited. The ministry also warned that individuals or entities violating the restrictions would face legal action.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested the decision, calling it “completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable.” Tokyo accused Beijing of violating international norms and targeting Japan specifically. Japan has urged China to immediately withdraw the export suspension.

The move underscores escalating friction between the two Asian powers, with trade and security dimensions now intersecting over the sensitive Taiwan issue.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over a recent dramatic operation by the United States in Venezuela, warning that it constitutes a clear violation of a fundamental principle of international law. The statement was reported from Geneva on Tuesday by AFP, where the UN said the incident raises serious concerns about international law and state sovereignty.

At a press conference in Geneva, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, stated that any threat or use of force by one state against another’s territorial integrity or political independence is contrary to international law. She added that such actions could undermine global stability and the international law-based order.

The UN’s remarks highlight growing apprehension about the implications of unilateral military or coercive actions, emphasizing the need to uphold international legal norms and respect for national sovereignty.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has criticized the United States for its recent operation in Venezuela, calling it a disregard for a fundamental principle of international law. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said that no state should threaten or use force against another country's territorial integrity or political independence.

The criticism followed an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, where several US allies opposed President Trump's military action. France took one of the clearest positions against the move, with its deputy permanent representative Joy Dharmadhikari stating that the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the US violated the principles of peaceful dispute resolution and non-use of force. China also reiterated its opposition for the fourth consecutive day, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressing readiness to work with regional countries to maintain peace and stability.

Historically, Maduro has considered China a close ally, a factor that may influence future diplomatic alignments in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term is increasingly defined by his assertive foreign policy. Following a dramatic night raid in Caracas that captured Venezuela’s president and his wife, Trump invoked the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, rebranding it as the 'Donro Doctrine' to reaffirm U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. In the days since, Washington has issued warnings or threats toward five other countries or territories.

Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security and competition with Russia and China, though Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected the idea. He also warned Colombia’s leftist president Gustavo Petro over alleged drug cartel ties, hinted at possible U.S. action, and criticized Mexico for failing to curb narcotics and illegal migration. Regarding Iran, Trump threatened severe retaliation if protesters were killed amid ongoing unrest, while in Cuba he suggested no intervention was needed, claiming the island was collapsing economically after losing Venezuelan oil support.

The developments underscore Trump’s renewed emphasis on U.S. assertiveness abroad, raising tensions with allies and adversaries alike as his administration signals a more interventionist posture.

The Trump administration is preparing to reopen the United States embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, according to a senior State Department official who spoke to Anadolu Agency on Monday, January 5. The official said the plan remains in its early stages and no final decision has been made. President Trump confirmed a day earlier that the matter is under consideration.

The US embassy in Caracas was closed in 2019 after Washington recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president, rejecting Nicolás Maduro’s 2018 re-election as invalid. The move marked a major diplomatic break between the two countries.

The renewed embassy plan follows a US overnight military operation on January 2 that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and his transfer to New York. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in court on January 5 on charges of arms and drug trafficking, which they denied.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken to a Manhattan federal court on Monday after being transferred from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. According to the report, they were brought before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein around noon local time, where the detailed charges against Maduro were to be read. The couple arrived under tight security after being flown in by helicopter, and witnesses observed Maduro walking with a limp.

The development follows a late-night operation on Friday in Venezuela, during which U.S. special forces reportedly arrested Maduro. Both he and his wife face charges in the United States related to cocaine importation and illegal possession of weapons. They have been held at the Brooklyn detention facility since their capture.

The court appearance marks the beginning of formal legal proceedings against the Venezuelan leader in the United States, with further hearings expected as the case progresses.

Israeli forces carried out a large-scale detention campaign across the occupied West Bank, arresting numerous Palestinians including a journalist and a teenager, according to Middle East Eye citing local media on Monday. More than 25 people were detained from the Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem, while journalist Anas Ikhlavi was taken from his home in Idhna near Hebron. A 15-year-old boy, Yazan al-Aloul, was also arrested during a raid on the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm. Additional arrests occurred in Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Tubas.

Residents described the operations as extensive house searches and intimidation tactics. The report noted that Israeli forces regularly conduct night raids in the West Bank, detaining Palestinians during each operation. Since the Gaza war began in 2023, such raids and arrests have increased significantly.

Over the past two years, more than 21,000 Palestinians have been detained in the West Bank, with around 9,250 currently held in Israeli prisons, including 350 children and about 50 women. Human rights groups allege that many detainees face physical and psychological abuse, including torture, starvation, denial of medical care, and solitary confinement.

The Government of Bangladesh has expressed concern over the recent United States military intervention in Venezuela and the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Bangladesh said it has been observing the developments in Venezuela with concern. The statement emphasized that disputes between nations should be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.

The ministry reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations Charter and international law. The concern follows a late-night operation on Friday in which US special forces reportedly conducted a sudden raid in Venezuela and arrested President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro and his wife have been charged in the United States with cocaine importation and illegal possession of weapons, and they are currently being held at a Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Bangladesh’s statement underscores its preference for peaceful resolution of international disputes and adherence to global legal frameworks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of a second round of attacks on Venezuela if the country fails to cooperate with Washington. He made the statement on Sunday while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. When asked whether he had spoken with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, Trump said his administration was working with those who had just been sworn in, adding that the U.S. was effectively in charge.

Earlier, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez called for building a “balanced and respectful” relationship with the United States. Her appeal came after U.S. forces carried out an attack in Caracas that led to the capture of leftist leader Nicolás Maduro. Rodríguez emphasized that establishing a respectful partnership between the two nations was a priority.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas following the U.S. military action and leadership transition in Venezuela, with both sides signaling sharply different approaches to future relations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of a strong response if more protesters are killed during ongoing demonstrations over rising living costs. At least 20 people have died in the unrest, which has intensified across Iran. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump said the United States is closely monitoring the situation and would deliver a harsh blow if Iranian authorities resume killing civilians, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded Monday, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hardline U.S. officials of encouraging terrorism and violence through their remarks on Iran’s internal affairs. The ministry’s statement added that what it called the “Zionist entity” is waiting for any opportunity to undermine Iran’s national unity.

The warning to Iran came shortly after a U.S. special forces raid in Venezuela that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on charges of cocaine importation and illegal weapons possession. Both are being held at a detention center in Brooklyn, New York.