US to tap Venezuelan oil after Maduro's capture — Trump
(Photo by Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images via AFP)President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would allow American oil companies to go into Venezuela to tap its massive crude reserves after a US military operation seized its leader, Nicolas Maduro. Trump also said that “the embargo on all Venezuelan oil remains in full effect.”Washington imposed economic sanctions on Venezuela in 2017, followed by oil sanctions two years later. Venezuelan oil is of lower quality and is mostly processed into diesel or byproducts such as asphalt, rather than gasoline. The United States has refineries around the Gulf of Mexico specifically designed to handle it. “The United States is doing just fine without Venezuelan oil,” Stephen Schork, an analyst at consulting firm the Schork Group, told AFP last month, pointing to political reasons instead.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 08:57 UTC
British and French aircraft attack underground Islamic State weapons store in Syria
British and French aircraft have carried out a joint strike on an underground facility in Syria that had been occupied by Islamic State, the UK Ministry of Defence has said. Typhoon FGR4 combat jets were used to bomb the target, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker. The facility had probably been used to store weapons and explosives, and the surrounding area was devoid of civilians, the ministry said. The defence secretary, John Healey, said the UK was determined to “stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies” to “stamp out any resurgence” of IS. Western aircraft have been conducting patrols to stop a resurgence of the Islamist militant group that ruled parts of Syria until 2019.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 08:23 UTC
How Many Countries Has Trump Bombed in 2025–2026? The Full List Explained
Since returning to the White House in January 2025, President Donald Trump has significantly increased the US military footprint abroad. Which Countries Has the US Bombed 2025? These countries include with operations targeting both terrorist organizations and controversially, state linked activities. US Bombed in IraqIn March, US aircraft targeted al-Anbar province, killing ISIL deputy leader Abdallah “Abu Khadijah” Muslih al-Rifai. Trump described the strikes as necessary to delay Iran’s nuclear program and threatened further action if Tehran resumed sensitive activities.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 08:16 UTC
New Tata Punch Facelift Delivers Bold Upgrade Ahead Of 13 January Launch
New Tata Punch Facelift: First LookThe New Tata Punch Facelift is set to debut in India on 13 January as a mid-life update to the popular micro-SUV. The updated design appears more macho, hinting at a more substantial road presence aimed at urban and semi-urban buyers.Design ChangesThe New Tata Punch Facelift teaser reveals redesigned LED headlamps and fog lamps, along with sleek daytime running lights. Dual-tone alloy wheels are also visible in the teaser, reinforcing the updated, more commanding look.Interior And FeaturesInside, the New Tata Punch Facelift is expected to gain a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster. The ICE Punch will closely match the Punch EV in terms of styling and equipment, reducing the visual gap between the two versions.Engine And PerformanceThe New Tata Punch Facelift is expected to continue with the familiar 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. These powertrains aim to balance performance and efficiency while keeping the package accessible to a wide range of buyers.New Tata Punch Facelift: What It SignalsThe New Tata Punch Facelift signals Tata Motors’ intent to keep its best-selling micro-SUV fresh in an increasingly competitive segment.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 06:52 UTC
APC Leaders Back Fubara as Wike Draws Battle Line for 2027
Fubara, like other APC governors, is running the affairs of his state well,” he added. His defection came shortly after 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly also joined the APC. Wike can’t decide for APC – Party officialHowever, a national official of the APC said the FCT minister could not determine the governor’s fate. “Fubara is a governor of the APC, and the Governors’ Forum of the APC is always a major support for the party. We will support Fubara, others – APCAlso commenting on the matter, Basiru told one of our correspondents that the party identified with Fubara.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 06:51 UTC
The case against Abubakar Malami
Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s immediate past Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, spent the Christmas and New Year festivities behind bars. But Malami was bound to Buhari by their common religion and Fulani ancestry in an administration in which power was not conducted in English. But now, Buhari is dead, and Malami is facing money-laundering charges in a country in which he once defined money laundering, and virtually every other charge. Throughout his eight years as “The Law”, Malami was routinely and persistently the target of recurring allegations and controversies. Recall, in this regard, that in November 2020, Malami led a presidential panel to dispose of all forfeited assets within six months.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 05:03 UTC
Bruno Onyemaechi opens up on Peseiro's AFCON snub
Super Eagles defender Bruno Onyemaechi has revealed that he was overlooked for opportunities at the last Africa Cup of Nations under former Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro, despite repeatedly asking for a chance to play, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. “When a coach gives you an opportunity, you need to take it,” Onyemaechi said. “I remember the last AFCON, I was begging for the opportunity, but Peseiro did not give it to me.”He added that the experience had helped shape his mindset ahead of the current tournament. At the ongoing tournament, Onyemaechi has been a regular presence in the team, starting the last two group matches and playing a total of 167 minutes. Defensively, he has recorded an average of 3.5 tackles and 3.5 clearances per game, while also winning the majority of his ground duels.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 05:00 UTC
Nigeria squad value dips as AFCON expectations grow
Senegal boasts the highest squad market value at the tournament, estimated at €449m, representing a 64 per cent rise compared with their €274.4m valuation two years ago. Their squad value has remained largely static, increasing marginally by 1.3 per cent from €334.58m to €339.03m. Their squad value has risen by 85 per cent since the last tournament, one of the sharpest increases across all competing nations, placing them at €254m overall. Marmoush has spoken of Egypt’s ambition to challenge for an eighth title, insisting the quality within the squad justifies lofty expectations. As Nigeria continues its campaign, squad values may shape narratives, but history suggests AFCON often defies financial logic.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 04:37 UTC
Amanda Serrano vs. Reina Tellez Judges' Scorecards, Punch Stats and Prize Money
Amanda Serrano got back in the win column with a unanimous decision win over Reina Tellez to successfully defend her WBO and WBA featherweight title in her native Puerto Rico. Serrano looked confident early on, but Tellez did impress with a few power punches early in the bout. Primarily, this bout served as an opportunity for Serrano to fight in front of a hometown crowd. Serrano was originally set to fight former foe Erika Cruz in a rematch of 2023 fight that Serrano won by unanimous decision. Serrano chose to continue with the fight even when Tellez missed weight and became ineligible to win the belt in the event of a win.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 04:26 UTC
UN condemns US attack on Venezuela, calls it ‘dangerous precedent’
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by United States special forces represents “a dangerous precedent” and risks undermining international law. Mr Maduro was first indicted in New York in 2020 during Mr Trump’s initial term in office, on charges linked to drug trafficking. The Venezuelan government denounced the action as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States, saying it followed months of rising tensions between the two countries. The UN statement noted that the Secretary-General was “deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potentially worrying implications for the region”. “Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” the statement said.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 01:54 UTC
US visa: Four African countries ban American citizens
Mali and Burkina Faso have restricted United States citizens from entering their countries following President Donald Trump’s visa restrictions. With these, the number of African countries reciprocating the US travel ban has climbed to four. On June 6, 2025, Chad suspended the issuance of visas to American citizens as a reciprocal move to earlier US visa restrictions affecting Chadians. Also, 20 countries, including Nigeria, were placed under a partial ban that restricted the entry of immigrants and non-immigrants from January 1, 2026. “Nigeria cannot ban US citizens from entering the country because the stakes are higher for Nigeria; it wants investors from all over the world.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 00:47 UTC
Celtic lose to Rangers as pressure mounts on manager Nancy
Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy is facing mounting pressure after his side suffered a 3–1 home defeat to arch-rivals Rangers on Saturday, a result that triggered protests by supporters outside Celtic Park. Nancy, appointed on December 3, has overseen a difficult start to his tenure, with Celtic losing six of their eight matches in all competitions under his leadership. My focus is to help my players to be better to turn things around. Celtic dominated the opening half and took the lead through Yang Hyun-jun, who capped a solo run with a powerful finish. The decision to appoint Nancy in the middle of a congested festive fixture schedule has also come under question.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 00:29 UTC
CAF names all-Cameroonian officials for Nigeria, Mozambique clash
Super Eagles of Nigeria take a team photo before their Africa Cup of Nations match against Uganda. Photo: NFF MediaSuper Eagles of Nigeria take a team photo before their Africa Cup of Nations match against Uganda. Photo: NFF MediaThe Confederation of African Football has appointed an all-Cameroonian team of match officials for Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Round of 16 tie against Mozambique. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the knockout encounter between the Super Eagles and the Mambas will be played on Monday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco. The second assistant referee is Carine Atezambong Fomo, a respected female official with vast experience in top-level CAF competitions.
Source:The Guardian
January 04, 2026 00:29 UTC
Petrol Price Hike: Private Depots Raise Price to N800
In Lagos, Dangote depot, which consistently offers the lowest petrol price sold PMS at N703 per litre on Friday, up from N702.50 on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. While the increase at Dangote was marginal, other private depots recorded steeper adjustments. Similarly, Aiteo and Lister depots sold petrol at N780 per litre, up from N750–N760 band recorded on Wednesday. The new price took effect on December 11, 2025, marking the 20th petrol price adjustment announced by the refinery this year. The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, had raised expectations of price stability through local refining.
Source:Punch
January 04, 2026 00:20 UTC
Attack on Venezuela: US crossed ‘unacceptable line’, says Brazil
Earlier on Saturday, the U.S. attacked Venezuela and deposed Maduro, President Donald Trump said, in Washington’s most direct intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Lula had previously said that an armed intervention in Venezuela would be a “humanitarian catastrophe”, and has repeatedly offered for Brazil to mediate disputes between the countries. After a brief closure, the border was reopened, Roraima state Governor Antonio Denarium told Reuters. Roraima is one of two Brazilian states—along with Amazonas—to share borders with Venezuela and receives around 70% of all Venezuelan refugees that arrive in Brazil, the governor said. There were no official reports of a higher influx of refugees at the border ahead of its closing due to the military escalation in Venezuela.
Source:Punch
January 03, 2026 23:37 UTC