05.01.2026 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

How the US attack on Venezuela, abduction of Maduro unfolded – 04.01.2026

The United States carried out an operation called “Absolute Resolve,” conducting air and special forces actions in Venezuela and taking President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their compound in Caracas to the US; Washington justified the move with allegations of Maduro’s involvement in drug trafficking, while the United Nations and legal experts questioned the legality of both the strikes and the abduction under international law. According to US officials, the operation was completed in a short time and Venezuela’s air defence systems were disabled, while Venezuelan authorities reported civilian casualties in attacks on Caracas and surrounding states. The Trump administration stated that Maduro would be tried in the United States, while Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president. Trump said the US would temporarily oversee the country’s administration and did not rule out deploying troops if necessary, as uncertainty continues both within Venezuela and across the international community.

South Korean president visits China – 04.01.2026

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung made his first visit to China since taking office with a four-day trip amid rising tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan, and is scheduled to hold his second meeting in two months with President Xi Jinping. Ahead of the visit, Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s adherence to the “One China” policy and said Seoul’s alliance with the United States should not translate into confrontation with Beijing. The trip comes as regional security tensions increase following Chinese military drills around Taiwan and recent North Korean missile launches, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral economic and security issues, efforts to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula, and China’s potential role in influencing North Korea.

Activist group says it was behind Berlin fire that cut power to thousands – 04.01.2026

A far-left activist group in Germany, the Vulkangruppe, claimed responsibility for a suspected arson attack on cables near a gas-fired power plant in southwest Berlin, which left around 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses without electricity in near-freezing temperatures. The group said the action targeted the fossil fuel economy rather than cutting power, describing it as an “act of self-defence” in solidarity with environmental protection, while apologizing to less affluent residents. Authorities provided emergency generators to hospitals and care facilities and transferred vulnerable individuals, with some electricity restored by Sunday and full reconnection expected by Thursday. Berlin’s mayor condemned the attack as endangering lives, and police said the group’s statement was credible, while investigations continue. The Vulkangruppe previously claimed responsibility for an arson attack that disrupted Tesla’s Berlin factory in 2024.

Britain says it and France bombed suspected Islamic State arms dump in Syria – 04.01.2026

The British and French air forces conducted a joint strike on Saturday targeting a suspected underground arms facility previously used by the Islamic State in Syria, located in mountains north of Palmyra, with Britain reporting the use of Paveway IV-guided bombs and Typhoon FGR4 jets supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker. The operation, aimed at preventing a resurgence of the militant group, reportedly avoided civilian areas, and all aircraft returned safely. British Defence Secretary John Healey described the action as a demonstration of the UK’s commitment to working with allies to combat Daesh and its violent ideology, while assessments of the strike’s effectiveness are ongoing.

Israeli forces kill three Palestinians in Gaza, local authorities say – 04.01.2026

Israeli forces shot and killed at least three Palestinians in separate incidents in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, including a 15-year-old boy, a fisherman, and another man, amid ongoing tensions since a ceasefire took effect in October. Israel has carried out repeated air strikes, citing the need to prevent attacks and target militant infrastructure, while Gaza’s health ministry reports 420 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire and over 71,000 casualties overall from Israeli military operations. Militants have killed three Israeli soldiers, and both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations. The situation remains tense, with hostages and territorial control issues unresolved under the phased plan brokered during former US President Donald Trump’s tenure.

Danish PM tells Trump to stop ‘threats’ against Greenland – 05.01.2026

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticised US President Donald Trump’s remarks about the possible annexation of Greenland, saying such claims are legally and politically unacceptable and that the United States has no right to annex any of the three countries within the Danish Realm. Her comments followed a social media post by a figure close to Trump depicting Greenland in the colours of the US flag and Trump’s renewed assertions that Greenland’s strategic location and natural resources justify US control. Frederiksen stressed that Denmark and Greenland are NATO members, that the US already has access to Greenland under an existing defence agreement, and that Denmark has increased its investment in Arctic security. Trump, however, reiterated that Greenland is necessary for US national security, while Danish officials reminded Washington that the two countries are allies and called for respect for Denmark’s territorial integrity. Greenland retains extensive self-government under Danish sovereignty, and while most Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, there is strong opposition to becoming part of the United States.

N Korea’s Kim oversees hypersonic missile tests, cites geopolitical crisis – 05.01.2026

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw hypersonic missile test flights, highlighting the need to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent amid regional and global geopolitical developments; according to state media, the drills were intended to assess readiness and improve the operational capabilities of missile forces. KCNA reported that the missiles struck targets about 1,000 kilometres away, while analysts suggested the test may have been a response to recent US military actions against Venezuela and was aimed at demonstrating Pyongyang’s ability to challenge US–South Korea missile defence systems. The launches took place ahead of the South Korean president’s visit to China, as North Korea continues to signal progress in missile, air defence and nuclear submarine programmes while showcasing its military achievements in the lead-up to the ruling Workers’ Party Congress.

China seeks to enhance ties with Ireland to boost relations with EU – 05.01.2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin that China seeks to expand economic and trade cooperation with Ireland for mutually beneficial outcomes and to strengthen ties with the European Union, emphasizing mutual respect and win-win approaches as key to long-term relations. Meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi highlighted potential collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, while urging coordination in international affairs to promote multilateralism. Martin, the first Irish prime minister to visit Beijing in 14 years, underscored Ireland’s support for open trade and acknowledged China’s global role, amid recent Chinese tariffs on EU dairy products following EU measures on Chinese electric vehicles. The visit, which includes a stop in Shanghai, is intended to enhance bilateral economic and political engagement and address broader China-EU relations.

Swiss Police Say All 40 Dead From Bar Fire Have Been Identified – 05.01.2026

Swiss investigators have identified all 40 victims of the New Year’s Eve bar fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, which also injured 119 people, including citizens of Switzerland, France, Italy, and Portugal, with the youngest victim a 14-year-old French boy. Authorities suspect the fire was triggered by sparklers igniting soundproofing insulation in the basement. A criminal investigation has been opened into the bar’s two operators, with potential charges including negligent homicide, examining factors such as occupancy limits, emergency exits, and building materials. The bar, owned by a French couple, saw one of the owners injured in the fire, while local authorities will participate as a civil party in the proceedings.