As it happened: Nicolas Maduro arrives in New York as Trump flags plans for US to 'run' Venezuela

PINNED

3 days ago4 Jan 5:59pm

Here's what we learned today

That's our coverage for today of the extraordinary developments in Venezuela and the United States.

Here's the latest:

Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have arrived in New York, after being captured by US troops in an overnight operation.
US authorities said the military operation on Venezuela was part of a law enforcement mission to Maduro, who had been indicted by a New York grand jury over charges with crimes related to terrorism, drugs and weapons.
US President Donald Trump has flagged that the US would "run the country" during a transition period, and would tap into Venezuela’s oil reserves.
Venezuelans around the world have gathered to celebrate the capturing of Maduro, while anti-war protests erupted in the US and Europe.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it's making urgent enquiries to check if Australian were impacted by the operation, as Australia doesn’t have an embassy in the country.

'Going to get the oil flowing': Donald Trump wants Venezuela's oil. But is it legal?

Thanks for following our live blog - we'll catch you tomorrow.

- Wing Kuang

3 days ago4 Jan 9:04am

Australia 'monitoring developments in Venezuela'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the US airstrikes on Venezuela, urging all parties to support "dialogue and diplomacy" to avoid escalation.

"Australia has long held concerns about the situation in Venezuela, including the need to respect democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms," Albanese said on Sunday morning.

"We continue to support international law and a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people."

Albanese also asked Australians in Venezuela who need consular assistance to contact the 24/7 emergency line at +61 2 6261 3305 from anywhere in the world or 1300 555 135 from within Australia.

- Wing Kuang

3 days ago4 Jan 9:02am

Who is Nicolas Maduro?

Following the lightning attack on Venezuela, US attorney general Pam Bondi vowed that Maduro and his wife will face "the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts".

Maduro began his career as a bus driver and became a trade union leader, had been Venezuela's president since 2013 and was declared the winner of last year's July election.

Maduro is a follower of 'chavismo', the socialist-populist political ideology initiated by former leader Hugo Chavez.

His rise from politician to president followed the death of Chavez, who chose Maduro as his successor.

Read more about the politician here.

- Rashida Yosufzai

3 days ago4 Jan 8:56am

Here's what you need to know

Good morning.

US President Donald Trump said the United States will "run" Venezuela and tap its huge oil reserves after snatching leftist leader Nicolas Maduro out of the country during a bombing raid on Caracas.

Trump did not go into detail what he meant but told a press conference in Florida: "We're going to be running it with a group."

In another surprise, Trump indicated that US troops could be deployed in Venezuela.

We'll keep you updated on the latest throughout the day but first, catch up on what happened overnight, after a rapid US attack in Venezuela during which US special forces grabbed Maduro and his wife, while airstrikes pounded multiple sites, stunning the capital city.

- Rashida Yosufzai

As it happened: Nicolas Maduro arrives in New York as Trump flags plans for US to 'run' Venezuela

Donald Trump said the US has captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and removed them from the country.

Here's what we learned today

READ MORE

Australia 'monitoring developments in Venezuela'

Who is Nicolas Maduro?

Here's what you need to know

previous

2of2

next

As it happened: Nicolas Maduro arrives in New York as Trump flags plans for US to 'run' Venezuela

Donald Trump said the US has captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and removed them from the country.

Here's what we learned today

READ MORE

Australia 'monitoring developments in Venezuela'

Who is Nicolas Maduro?

Here's what you need to know

previous

2of2

next

Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.