AT A GLANCE – 5 January 2026

Trump warns new Venezuelan leader 

US president Donald Trump has issued a warning to Venezuela’s newly installed leader, Delcy Rodriguez, saying she could “pay a very big price — possibly bigger than Maduro” if she fails to “do what’s right.”

The United States has accused former president Nicolas Maduro of drug trafficking and weapons-related crimes, labeling his government a “narco-terrorist” regime—allegations Maduro strongly denies.

Rodriguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, struck a more conciliatory tone during her first cabinet meeting on Sunday, expressing a willingness to cooperate with the United States.

Months of US planning culminate in dramatic Venezuela operation

For months, US intelligence agencies had been quietly tracking the movements of Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro, according to sources. Surveillance was extensive and detailed, with a small team – including at least one alleged insider within the Venezuelan government – monitoring where the 63-year-old slept, what he ate and how he moved through his daily routine.

By early December, plans for a covert operation, code-named ‘Operation Absolute Resolve’, had been finalised. The mission marked an exceptionally dramatic escalation of US involvement in Latin America, on a scale not seen since the Cold War.

As Christmas approached and the new year began, US military units remained on standby, waiting for the go-ahead from the US president.

Markets climb, oil volatile after US move in Venezuela

Asian stock markets edged higher on Monday while oil prices fluctuated, as investors weighed the potential fallout from US military action in Venezuela at the start of a week packed with key economic data.

Markets across the region showed cautious optimism in the first full trading week of the year, with attention split between geopolitical tensions in Latin America and a series of upcoming indicators expected to shed light on the health of the global economy.

Greek airspace empty as radio disruption halts flights

Air traffic across Greece was brought to an abrupt halt yesterday following a significant radio frequency disruption, prompting the suspension of all flights and leaving the country’s skies empty.

The disruption caused widespread chaos, with Athens International Airport among the hardest hit. Passengers arriving early in the morning faced indefinite delays and cancellations, while airlines and airport staff scrambled to manage the sudden disruption.