In Short:
– A U.S. military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife amid explosive events in Caracas.
– Venezuela’s government condemned U.S. actions as imperialist aggression and declared a state of emergency.

A U.S. military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife after months of mounting pressure.The operation coincided with a series of explosive events in Caracas. President Trump confirmed the extraction, stating the military acted with U.S. law enforcement. Residents reported significant explosions and power outages across the capital.

The Venezuelan government declared a general mobilization, labelling the U.S. actions as imperialist aggression.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino expressed that they would not yield to American pressure, condemning the invasion as a severe insult to the nation.

U.S.-Venezuela tensions escalated following months of airstrikes against alleged drug-trafficking targets near the Caribbean. The developments have raised concerns within the international community about the possibility of further military conflict.

Ongoing Crisis

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was reported safe amid chaos following the explosions.

The government declared a state of emergency as information about Maduro’s location remained unclear.

Many military facilities and airports were targeted during the attacks, highlighting the extent of U.S. military engagement. Critics, including U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, have denounced the strikes as unnecessary and reflective of a historical pattern in U.S. military operations abroad.

In Short:
– Multiple explosions rocked Caracas after Trump ordered military strikes on Venezuelan military facilities.
– U.S. military presence has increased significantly in the Caribbean, raising tensions further.

Multiple explosions occurred in Caracas, Venezuela, early Saturday after President Trump ordered military strikes on Venezuelan military facilities, escalating pressure on the Maduro regime. Witnesses reported at least seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time, with low-flying aircraft and power outages in several neighborhoods.The strikes targeted major military sites, including Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota Air Base, along with El Libertador Air Force Base in Maracay.

These developments follow a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, with around 15,000 troops and 11 naval vessels present, including the USS Gerald R. Ford. Since September, the U.S. has conducted over 30 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing more than 110 people and seizing several oil tankers.

Military Escalation

Earlier, Trump announced that the U.S. had targeted a Venezuelan dock reportedly linked to drug trafficking. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro called for a UN emergency meeting, although he did not specify the attacker. The Venezuelan government has not officially responded, though Maduro expressed willingness for dialogue on drug issues.

The Trump administration claims its operations target narco-terrorist organizations, while critics argue about the legality of the actions. Human Rights Watch termed the maritime strikes as “unlawful extrajudicial killings”. The U.S. also banned all American aircraft from Venezuelan airspace, effectively designating it a military operations zone.

Trump has not confirmed intentions to remove Maduro, but previously suggested it would be prudent for him to step down.

In Short:
– Aden International Airport closed amid rising Saudi-UAE tensions, stranding passengers and highlighting the Yemen crisis.
– Saudi airstrikes targeted STC positions, escalating the conflict as Saudi Arabia and UAE’s interests increasingly clash.

Yemen’s Aden International Airport closed on Thursday due to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stranding many passengers. This shutdown highlights an escalating crisis between the two Gulf nations over control of Yemen’s resource-rich eastern provinces. Military operations backed by Saudi Arabia resulted in multiple fatalities.Air traffic was suspended following new flight restrictions imposed by Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is supported by Riyadh. Instead of compliance, Yemen’s transport minister, aligned with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced a total shutdown, leaving travellers in difficult situations, especially those needing urgent medical care.

The aviation discord exemplifies a larger divide fracturing the Saudi-led coalition involved in the Yemen conflict. Recent Saudi airstrikes targeted an STC military camp in Al-Khasah, resulting in numerous casualties. Saudi-backed forces initiated a military campaign aimed at reclaiming control over territory occupied by the STC.

Gulf Powers

The situation escalated when the STC seized extensive regions in Hadramout and Al-Mahra provinces. Saudi Arabia publicly condemned the UAE’s activities as a threat to its national security and demanded troop withdrawal. In response, the UAE refuted the claims and prepared to withdraw its forces, although the STC has remained entrenched in its positions.

The current conflict marks a significant public feud between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. They have collaborated since 2015 to combat the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, but their diverging interests have increasingly placed them in opposition.

UAE stock markets experienced mixed results on Friday, reflecting the ongoing regional tensions. Dubai’s index rose 1.1 percent, primarily driven by gains in Emaar Development and Emirates NBD Bank. Conversely, Abu Dhabi’s index remained stable, impacted by a downturn in Abu Dhabi National Energy Company.