AnewZ Morning Brief - 4 January, 2026

AnewZ Morning Brief - 4 January, 2026
Anewz
Anewz

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 4th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.

U.S. captures Maduro, Trump vows temporary control of Venezuela

The United States launched an overnight military operation in Venezuela and captured its long-serving President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump said, pledging to place the country under temporary American control and signalling that U.S. forces could be deployed if necessary.

Venezuela’s government said strikes also hit the neighbouring states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, and declared a national emergency while ordering the mobilisation of defence forces. 

North Korea fires ballistic missile into East Sea

North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea, according to South Korea and Japan, as regional diplomacy and security concerns remain in focus.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was fired toward the sea and is believed to have already fallen.

Japan’s defence authorities separately confirmed the projectile had landed, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Iran calls Trump’s protest warning reckless as deaths reported nationwide

Iran has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of possible intervention as protests over the economy turn deadly.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Trump’s comments as “reckless and dangerous” after the U.S. president said Washington would intervene if peaceful protesters were killed.

At least eight people have reportedly been killed during week-long protests across Iran, sparked by a sharp fall in the value of the rial. Demonstrations began in Tehran among shopkeepers and later spread to universities and several cities.

Swiss bar managers under investigation after deadly fire kills 40

Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the managers of a bar where at least 40 people died in a New Year’s fire.

The tragic fire occurred at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations, leaving more than 100 injured.

Prosecutors said the bar’s two managers are being investigated for negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence.

Yemeni government announces control of Hadhramaut desert

The Yemeni government said Saturday its Nation’s Shield Forces took full control of Hadhramaut’s desert and valley region after Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces withdrew, as Yemen’s state-run media reported STC troop withdrawal from Al-Ghaydah airport and the presidential palace in the eastern province of Al-Mahra.

There was no immediate comment from the STC forces. 

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