U.S. Military Removes Venezuelan Leader Maduro, Sparks Global Debate – 1/5/2026, 8:29:26 AM

Based on the latest news reports, the major developments include:

Venezuela Regime Change: U.S. military forces captured and removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday in an unprecedented military operation[1]. Maduro is now in custody on U.S. soil facing charges related to drug trafficking and weapons trafficking, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi[1]. This action has sparked international controversy, with some world leaders condemning it as a violation of international law, while others, including Argentina’s leader, have praised the operation[1].

International Response: Spain and five Latin American countries have rejected the U.S. attack on Venezuela[2]. Meanwhile, Venezuelan refugees in neighboring Colombia celebrated the news, with crowds taking to the streets of Bogotá[1].

Other Global Events: Additional news includes:
– North Korea launched ballistic missiles into the sea ahead of a South Korean leader’s visit to China[2]
– A bar fire in the Swiss Alps killed 40 people, with the first four victims identified[2]
– UK and French warplanes struck a suspected ISIS weapons facility in Syria[2]
– Migrant arrivals in the UK rose in 2025 and stabilized in the EU[2]
– Left-wing extremist attacks in Berlin left 45,000 homes without power[2]