US Moves to “Run” Venezuela After Maduro Detained in Military Operation

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States would “run” Venezuela after capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a large-scale military operation. This extraordinary development has plunged the country into uncertainty following weeks of escalating tensions.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social early Saturday morning.

Trump later said the US would assume a central role in governing Venezuela indefinitely until a formal transition of power could take place, while declining to rule out the possibility of a prolonged military presence.

Venezuela’s Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, condemned the US action as a “cowardly kidnapping,” alleging that several of Maduro’s bodyguards, along with military personnel and civilians, were killed “in cold blood” during the operation.

In a televised address on Sunday, Padrino López also endorsed a Supreme Court ruling appointing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez—who also serves as oil minister—as acting president for 90 days.

Reference Sources

1. CNN-The US has captured Venezuelan leader Maduro, here’s what to know
2. Reuters - Trump bets on intimidation to force Venezuelan leaders into line
3. Aljazeera - Venezuela decries ‘cowardly kidnapping’ as officials back Maduro

More tech firms expected to list in Hong Kong in 2026 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index opened 2026 with a strong gain on its first trading day, led by innovation and technology stocks.

Paul Chan, financial Secretary of the Hong Kong special administrative region (HKSAR) government, said that the city will build on this momentum to foster a more vibrant innovation and industrial Ecosystem and promote high-quality economic development. On the first trading day of 2026, the Hang Seng index rose by more than 700 points, or about 2.8%, marking its strongest start to a year since 2013.

The Hang Seng Tech index climbed 4%, with a number of artificial intelligence (AI) -related stocks continuing to attract strong investor interest.

Chan expects more Sci-Tech companies to apply for initial public offerings (IPOs) in Hong Kong to continue a streak of over 400 IPOs from companies in emerging sectors whose market capitalization accounts for around 30% of the Hong Kong bourse by the end of 2025.

The HKSAR government welcomes companies to set up research and development centers, advanced manufacturing facilities, as well as regional or global headquarters in Hong Kong.

Among efforts to spur Sci-Tech innovation, Chan emphasized the launch of Incubators as a result of Collaborations between the HKSAR and Chinese mainland partners.

Reference Sources

1. globaltimes - More tech firms expected to list in Hong Kong in 2026; city to build a more vibrant innovation ecosystem: Paul Chan
2. xinhua - Hong Kong committed to nurturing sci-tech innovation: financial secretary
3. globaltimes - GT Voice: Synergy of mainland’s tech progress, HK financial hub will drive growth

Johor signs MoU with Alibaba-linked firms to boost AI talent development 

The Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with international partners, including Alibaba-related companies, to implement the ai design training programme.

The collaboration involves Jtdc with Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Singapore Economy and Management Institute and Duiyo Pro, an Alibaba subsidiary that focuses on the field of AI design.

The MOU aims to establish the "Alibaba centre of excellence" in Medini as a Hub for AI learning, research and collaboration, as well as the implementation of the Alibaba AI design expert certification program.

State Education and Information Committee chairman, Aznan Tamin, said the initiative opened up a space for direct exposure to the world's giant technology Ecosystem as well as the real applications of AI in education and industry. A special briefing was also given by Alibaba Digital Commerce Group general manager, Gu, on Alibaba's business processes and how AI technology is utilised to improve efficiency, competitiveness and sustainable talent development.

The collaboration demonstrates the confidence of investors and global industry players in the talent potential and direction of AI technology development in Johor.

Reference Sources

1. bernama - JTDC–Alibaba Strategic Cooperation To Produce Johor AI Experts
2. malaymail - Johor signs MoU with Alibaba-linked firms to boost AI talent development, says state exco

The CommonWealth English daily news digest is a service curated by CommonWealth English team with the help of AI tools.  

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Uploaded by Ian Huang