Maduro and Wife Face Drug Charges in New York
Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a New York court to face multiple drug-trafficking charges following their capture by U.S. forces in Caracas. The indictment accuses Maduro and five co-defendants of narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine into the U.S., and conspiracy to possess machine guns and explosives, with allegations that they have conspired with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia to use cocaine as a weapon against America.
Cuba reports 32 nationals killed in US operation
Cuba's government reported that 32 of its nationals, identified as members of its armed forces and intelligence agencies, were killed during a US military operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that these personnel were providing protection to Maduro at Venezuela's request, and the Cuban armed forces stated they died in combat or as a result of bombardments. The total death toll from the operation is estimated at 80, according to an unnamed Venezuelan official.
Witkoff to Represent US at Paris Security Talks
Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy, will represent the United States at the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris on January 6, alongside Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The talks aim to finalize security guarantees for Ukraine, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also in attendance.
US Special Forces Capture Maduro Amid Regional Tensions
The United States conducted a special forces operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was taken from his compound and flown to the U.S. after being charged with weapon and drug offenses. The operation involved over 150 aircraft and included air strikes on military bases in Caracas, resulting in casualties among Maduro's security team and civilians, according to Venezuelan officials. This unprecedented action has heightened tensions in the region, particularly in North Korea, where leader Kim Jong Un perceives the U.S. capability for leadership extraction as a direct threat, potentially increasing the risk of miscalculations that could lead to nuclear conflict.
US Multinationals Granted Exemptions from Global Tax Rules
The United States has secured exemptions for its multinational corporations from key elements of the OECD-negotiated global minimum corporate tax, which imposes a 15% effective rate on firms with at least 750 million euros in revenue. This agreement, finalized among over 100 countries, prevents other nations from imposing additional taxes on U.S. subsidiaries abroad, undermining the global effort to combat corporate tax avoidance. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent played a pivotal role in negotiating these exemptions, which critics argue jeopardize nearly a decade of progress in international corporate taxation.
Russian airstrike on Kyiv hospital kills one injures four
A Russian airstrike on a hospital in Kyiv resulted in the death of one patient and injuries to four others, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attack involved nine ballistic missiles and 165 combat drones, with Ukraine's air force intercepting 137 of the drones. In related developments, Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Russia's claim that Ukraine attacked Vladimir Putin's residence, suggesting the strike targeted a different facility.
