This weekend presented a stark tableau of global events, captured by photographers from the icy festivals of China to the tense streets of New York. The defining image for many was the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, while closer to home, early risers witnessed a breathtaking winter sunrise at Stonehenge.
A Political Earthquake in New York and Beyond
The most significant development unfolded in Brooklyn, New York, where federal officers stood guard outside the Department of Justice and the adjacent Metropolitan Detention Center. The high-security presence was for Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president captured in a US raid and now held in custody. Official imagery released showed Maduro onboard the USS Iwo Jima following his apprehension.
The repercussions were felt instantly on the world stage. In Santiago, Chile, protesters gathered outside the US embassy to show support for Venezuela. Meanwhile, in Caracas, citizens queued for groceries in the uncertain aftermath of their leader's capture. The political operation was monitored closely by former US President Donald Trump alongside his defence secretary and CIA director at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Frosty Dawns and Global Competition
In Wiltshire, early morning visitors were treated to a spectacular scene as the coldest day of winter so far, with lows of -9C recorded in southern England, provided a crisp backdrop for a stunning sunrise at Stonehenge. The ancient stones were silhouetted against a vibrant winter sky, offering a moment of serene beauty.
Elsewhere, competition and spectacle took centre stage. In Saudi Arabia, the 48th Dakar Rally roared into action, with French driver Sébastien Loeb and co-driver Édouard Boulanger piloting their Dacia Sandrider through the Yanbu desert. In London, Luke Littler secured victory in the PDC World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace, capping off a thrilling tournament.
Moments of Protest, Tradition, and Nature's Force
The weekend also highlighted ongoing tensions and cultural celebrations. In Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protested against military conscription, observing from behind a wall near a recruitment office. In Chennai, India, artists adorned in traditional dress waited to perform at the Veedhi Virudhu Vizha festival, showcasing the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Nature displayed its power in multiple forms. California's coast experienced dramatic king tides, flooding Highway 101 as the aligned sun and moon exerted a stronger gravitational pull. In the skies, the wolf supermoon provided a majestic sight, setting behind landmarks like the Statue of Liberty in New York and over Richmond Park in London.
Other poignant moments included a graduation ceremony for 230 doctors at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza and a makeshift memorial in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, where people gathered to honour victims of a deadly fire. From the ice walls of Harbin's festival to the shifting tribal control in Mukalla, Yemen, the weekend's images painted a comprehensive picture of our complex, interconnected world.
