World News
US strikes Venezuela, Trump claims President Maduro captured and flown out
Trump for months had threatened that he could soon order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land following months of attacks on boats accused of carrying drugs
 "US strikes Venezuela, Trump claims President Maduro captured and flown out")
Micheal Martin to visit China, first trip by an Irish leader in 14 years
Beijing has been strengthening ties with individual members of the European Union despite tensions with the EU bloc over tariffs and human rights issues
 "Micheal Martin to visit China, first trip by an Irish leader in 14 years")
Venezuela Prez Maduro captured and flown out of country, announces Trump
The statement added that President Nicols Maduro had ordered all national defence plans to be implemented and declared a state of external disturbance
 "Venezuela Prez Maduro captured and flown out of country, announces Trump")
13 NCP student leaders resign over alliance with Jamaat in Bangladesh
Despite the objections, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman officially announced the alliance with the NCP last week at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka
 "13 NCP student leaders resign over alliance with Jamaat in Bangladesh")
Two more killed in Iran protests over economic crisis, toll rises to 10
The weeklong protests, have become the biggest in Iran since 2022, when the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody triggered nationwide demonstrations
 "Two more killed in Iran protests over economic crisis, toll rises to 10")
What to know about Budanov, Zelenskyy's pick for new chief of staff
Budanov has led the military intelligence agency, known by its acronym GUR, since 2020
 "What to know about Budanov, Zelenskyy's pick for new chief of staff")
Yemen separatists declare southern constitution as UAE pulls troops out
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council depicted the announcement as a declaration of independence for the south
 "Yemen separatists declare southern constitution as UAE pulls troops out")
Explosions, gunfire reported as aircraft fly over Venezuelan capital
People also reported hearing gunshots in several areas in Caracas
 "Explosions, gunfire reported as aircraft fly over Venezuelan capital")
Trump invites Japan PM Takaichi for first US visit amid tensions with China
In a statement Friday, the Japanese foreign ministry said Takaichi and Trump agreed to coordinate for the visit to happen this spring
 "Trump invites Japan PM Takaichi for first US visit amid tensions with China")
South Korean Prez Lee reaffirms 'One-China' stance ahead of state visit
The South Korean leader also discussed trade relations, highlighting that both nations are closely connected economically and can benefit from expanding cooperation in emerging industries
 "South Korean Prez Lee reaffirms 'One-China' stance ahead of state visit")
Taiwan detects 4 Chinese aircraft, 6 naval vessels around its territory
China's recent large-scale military exercises around Taiwan have triggered widespread disruption to regional air travel, prompting renewed concerns
 "Taiwan detects 4 Chinese aircraft, 6 naval vessels around its territory")
Gulf, Asian nations urge Israel to allow aid into Gaza amid harsh winter
Despite its obligations under international law to meet the basic needs of Palestinians in Gaza, Israel has continued to impose strict limits on humanitarian assistance
 "Gulf, Asian nations urge Israel to allow aid into Gaza amid harsh winter")
Disrupted New Year Eve attack plan inspired by Islamic State group: FBI
The alleged attack would have taken place one year after 14 people were killed in New Orleans by a US citizen and Army veteran who proclaimed support for IS on social media
 "Disrupted New Year Eve attack plan inspired by Islamic State group: FBI")
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani begins term by revoking Adam's executive orders
Among revoked orders was one barring city officials from procurement practices 'that discriminate against the State of Israel, Israeli citizens, or those associated with Israel'
 "NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani begins term by revoking Adam's executive orders")
US Coast Guard search for survivors after attacks on alleged drug boat
The Coast Guard dispatched a plane from Sacramento to search an area covering more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres), while issuing an urgent warning to ships nearby
 "US Coast Guard search for survivors after attacks on alleged drug boat")
More oil tankers turn away from Venezuela amid US threat to seize vessels
As part of Trump's pressure campaign, US forces have launched strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats that have killed more than 100 people, and seized two oil tankers
 "More oil tankers turn away from Venezuela amid US threat to seize vessels")
Trump orders divestment in $2.9 mn chips deal citing US security concerns
The deal involved Emcore Corp selling its computer chips and wafer fabrication operations to HieFo for $2.92 million a price that included the assumption of about $1 million in liabilities
 "Trump orders divestment in $2.9 mn chips deal citing US security concerns")
Yemen separatists announce constitution for independent southern state
Last month, STC-linked fighters seized control of two southern provinces from Saudi-backed forces and took over the Presidential Palace in the south's main city, Aden
 "Yemen separatists announce constitution for independent southern state")
Bangladesh's Inqilab Moncho to hold 'March for Justice' for Osman Hadi
The organisation said its members will reach out to the government, political parties and people in remote areas to seek support in ensuring justice
 "Bangladesh's Inqilab Moncho to hold 'March for Justice' for Osman Hadi")
At least 2 killed as earthquake of magnitude 6.5 hits Mexico's Guerrero
US Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers, 4 kilometers north-northwest of Rancho Viejo, Guerrero, which is in mountains about 91 kilometers northeast of Acapulco
 "At least 2 killed as earthquake of magnitude 6.5 hits Mexico's Guerrero")
