Venezuela-Trump newest: Maduro charged with medicine and weapons offences after seize as Caracas reels from airstrikes | EUROtoday

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has suggested towards all journey to Venezuela and warned Britons within the South American nation to shelter.

It stated this comes after: “On 3 January, Venezuelan authorities announced a ‘state of external commotion’ due to air strikes on targets across the country. This could lead to closure of Venezuelan borders and airspace.”

The warning added: “FCDO advises against all travel to Venezuela. If you are a British National already living or travelling in Venezuela, you should shelter in place, but be prepared to change your plans quickly if necessary.

“Regularly review your departure options and make sure your travel documents are valid and accessible.

“You should have a ‘personal emergency plan’, including practical steps for leaving the country or staying safe during a crisis, that does not depend on support from the UK government.”

The Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his spouse Cilia Flores have been indicted in New York.

Mr Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices towards the United States.

It follows claims from the US president Donald Trump that he was main drug cartels.

Maduro has constantly denied the allegations, and stated the US desires to pressure a authorities change in Venezuela and acquire entry to its huge oil reserves by means of its marketing campaign.

There have additionally been claims made towards the legitimacy of Maduro’s management.

He was sworn in for a 3rd time period in January 2025 following a 2024 election that was broadly condemned as fraudulent by worldwide observers and the opposition, resulting in the imprisonment of 1000’s who protested the declared victory.

The Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin stories:

Keir Starmer stated he had but to talk to Donald Trump in regards to the occasions in Venezuela however added “we should all uphold international law”.

He instructed broadcasters: “It’s obviously a fast-moving situation and we need to establish all the facts.

“What I can say is that the UK was not involved in this operation. As you can expect, we are focusing on British nationals in Venezuela and working very closely with our Embassy.

“And so I would want to talk to the President, and I would want to talk to allies for the moment. I think we need to establish the facts.”

He stated that “hopefully more information will come out” when President Trump holds a press convention later.

Asked if he condemned the US’s actions, he stated: “Well, I want to establish the facts. First, I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies, as I say I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved in that. And as you know, I always say, and believe we should all uphold international law. But I think at this stage, it’s a fast-moving situation, establish the facts and take it from there.”

He additionally stated there have been round 500 Brits there in Venezuela “and we’re working with the Embassy to make sure they are well looked after – safeguarded and get appropriate advice”.

Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro stated the Colombian authorities convened a nationwide safety assembly earlier than daybreak on Saturday and despatched safety forces to the border in preparation for a possible “massive influx of refugees” from neighbouring Venezuela.

He stated he would additionally name on the UN Security Council to contemplate “the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America”.

“Without sovereignty, there is no nation,” Mr Petro wrote on social media.

The Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his spouse Cilia Flores have been indicted in New York.

US lawyer basic Pamela Bondi stated Mr Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices towards the United States.

“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.” she wrote on X.

“On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers.”

Sir Keir Starmer has responded to the US operation in Venezuela early on Saturday morning.

The prime minister stated the UK “was not involved in any way” with the strikes.

He added he desires to speak to Donald Trump in regards to the operation, which noticed the Venezuelan president captured.

Spain’s prime minister has stated worldwide legislation “must be respected” after US strikes on Venezuela.

Pedro Sánchez stated the Spanish Government is carefully monitoring the scenario in Venezuela.

“Our embassy and consulates are operational,” he wrote on X.

“We call for a gradual easing of restrictions and for responsible action. International law and the principles of the UN Charter must be respected.”

Donald Trump has made a few of his first remarks to media after the US launched strikes and captured the Venezuelan president.

“It was a brilliant operation, actually,” he instructed the New York Times.

He instructed the newspaper: “A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people.”