Overview
- US authorities say Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were flown to New York to face narcotics and weapons charges, as President Donald Trump says the US will temporarily run Venezuela and take control of its oil sector.
- Smartraveller tells Australians not to travel to Venezuela, advises those in-country to leave if safe or be ready to shelter in place, and warns consular help is severely limited because Australia has no embassy there.
- Australia also updates advice for Colombia, citing potential unrest and risks to foreign missions following the US operation in Venezuela.
- Albanese says Australia is monitoring the situation and calls for dialogue and respect for international law, while UN figures raise legal concerns and the Security Council plans an emergency meeting.
- Reactions in Australia range from protests denouncing a US takeover to celebrations by Venezuelan opposition supporters, as diaspora groups convene for community support.