Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the Government "sheds no tears" over the end of Nicolas Maduro's "illegitimate" regime in Venezuela.
“The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela," Sir Keir assured in a new statement.
"We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President, and we shed no tears about the end of his regime," he declared.
However, the Prime Minister subtly echoed concerns shared by some that the US raid to capture Maduro was in breach of international law.
“I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people,” Sir Keir added.
FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY...
Donald Trump vows to 'make Venezuela great again' as he announces plans to run country
President Trump has vowed to "make Venezuela great again" as he outlined plans to "run" the country following a US operation to apprehend President Nicolas Maduro.
When asked if he intended to work with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, he said: “Well, I understand she was just sworn in, but she was, as you know, picked by Maduro, so Marco (Rubio) is working on that directly. He just had a conversation with her.”
“She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” the US leader said.
Earlier, President Trump told the press conference that: "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition."
As to who specifically, he identified: "The people that are standing right behind me, we're going to be running it... It's largely going to be for a period of time."
Elon Musk congratulates Donald Trump on Caracas raid and celebrates 'win for the world'
Elon Musk has congratulated President Donald Trump over the successful operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Writing on his platform, X, Mr Musk said: "Congratulations, President Trump!"
"This is a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere," he added.
Pete Hegseth: Maduro "effed around he found out"
The United States Secretary of War has heralded the capture of the Venezuelan President, telling reporters he “effed around and found out”.
He says the attack on Venezuela shows President Trump “has the back” of Americans.
Mr Hegseth told reporters: “Nicolas Maduro had his chance, just had Iran had their chance, until they didn’t and he didn’t.
“He effed around and he found out. President Trump is deadly serious about stopping the flow of gangs and violence to our country.
“He is deadly serious about stopping the flow of drugs and poison to our people and getting back the oil that was stolen from us.
“This is about the safety, security, freedom and prosperity of the American people.”
Trump: US oil companies to move into Venezuela
President Donald Trump has said US oil giants will move into Venezuela as he outlined plans to "run" the country.
"We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country," he declared in a statement.
"Under our new national security strategy, American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, will never be questioned again.
"We are reasserting American power in a very powerful way in our home region," President Trump added.
Trump: US was prepared to launch 'much bigger' second wave attack on Venezuela
Donald Trump says the US was prepared to launch a second wave of attacks.
The US President said today’s blitz on the Venezuelan capital was initially only considered a starting point in a series of attacks.
But the President has told reporters a second, “much bigger” attack will now not be necessary because US forces were able to successfully achieve their objectives.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured in the “extraordinary” military operation conducted in the capital city of Caracas.
Mr Trump says the attack showed the “overwhelming” power the US military by “air, land and sea” has.
'We are going to run the country' Trump outlines plans for Venezuela
President Donald Trump has announced the US will "run" Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” to a new administration can be achieved.
He was addressing gathered media in the wake of a stunning US military opposition that saw Nicolas Maduro and his wife apprehended by special forces.
In his statement, President Trump explained: "We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition."
"So, we don't want to be involved with, having somebody else get in. And we have the same situation that we had for the last long period of years.
"So, we are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," the US leader said.
Nicolas Maduro seen in new picture shared by President Trump
Venezuela LIVE: Nicolas Maduro 'captured from fortress' as Donald Trump hails 'TV show' operation | Venezuela LIVE: Nicolas Maduro 'captured from fortress' as Donald Trump hails 'TV show' operation
President Donald Trump has shared an image of Nicolas Maduro following his capture by US special forces.
The US leader shared the photo to his Truth Social account with the caption: “Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima.”
In the picture, the ousted Venezuelan leader could be seen standing in a grey tracksuit, wearing dark goggles and ear defenders, and holding a bottle of water.
He appears to be in handcuffs.
Nicolas Maduro 'captured from fortress' as Donald Trump hails 'TV show' operation
US forces stormed a “fortress” to capture Nicolas Maduro in what President Donald Trump hailed as a “TV show” like operation.
President Trump was outlining details of the daring raid in Caracas that saw the Venezuelan leader and his wife extracted and taken to the US.
"We were going to do this four days ago but the weather was not perfect," President Trump explained, adding: "The weather has to be perfect... all of a sudden it opened up and we said go.”
He explained that Maduro was apprehended "in a house that was more like a fortress than a house" with "solid steel all around".
The awed US leader said that observing the operation was "Literally like I was watching a television show."
"If you would've seen the speed, the violence, it was an amazing thing," President Trump told Fox News.
Reiterating that did not think any US personnel were killed, he explained that: “A couple of guys were hit, but they came back, and they're supposed to be in pretty good shape."
President Trump praised US forces and the Government for "an incredible job" and boasted that "there's no other country on earth that could do such a manoeuvre".
Machado backs Venezuelan election winner to become new President
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machdo has backed her colleague Edmundo Gonzalez, who the opposition, the U.S. and international observers say won a 2024 election, should assume the presidency.
"This is the hour of the citizens — those of us who risked everything for democracy on July 28. Those who chose Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate President of Venezuela, who must immediately assume his constitutional mandate and be recognised as Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces by all its officers and soldiers," she said in a statement on X.
Venezuelan oppositio leader Maria Corina Machdo's statement translated in full
Translation in full: "From today, Nicolás Maduro faces international justice for the atrocious crimes committed against Venezuelans and citizens of many other nations. Faced with his refusal to accept a negotiated exit, the government of the United States has fulfilled its promise to uphold the law.
The time has come for Popular Sovereignty and National Sovereignty to prevail in our country. We are going to restore order, free political prisoners, build an exceptional nation, and bring our children back home.
We have fought for years, we have given everything, and it has been worth it. What had to happen is happening.
This is the hour of the citizens — those of us who risked everything for democracy on July 28. Those who chose Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate President of Venezuela, who must immediately assume his constitutional mandate and be recognised as Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces by all its officers and soldiers.
Today we are prepared to assert our mandate and take power. Let us remain vigilant, active, and organised until the Democratic Transition is completed — a transition that needs ALL of us.
To Venezuelans inside our country: be ready to implement what we will soon communicate to you through our official channels.
To Venezuelans abroad: we need you mobilised, activating governments and citizens around the world and committing them, from now on, to the great operation of building a new Venezuela.
In these decisive hours, receive all my strength, my confidence, and my affection. We remain alert and in contact.
VENEZUELA WILL BE FREE!
Let us go hand in hand with God, until the end."
Venezuelan Nobel Prize-winning opposition leader Maria Corina Machdo says Maduro 'refused to negociate'
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machdo, who recently won the Nobel Peace Prize, has said action was taken on Nicolas Maduro because he "refused to negociate".
In a statement shared on X, she said: "From today, Nicolás Maduro faces international justice for the atrocious crimes committed against Venezuelans and citizens of many other nations. Faced with his refusal to accept a negotiated exit, the government of the United States has fulfilled its promise to uphold the law.
"The time has come for Popular Sovereignty and National Sovereignty to prevail in our country. We are going to restore order, free political prisoners, build an exceptional nation, and bring our children back home," she declared.
Ms Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her "tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy".
Keir Starmer issues response to Donald Trump's strikes on Venezuela as PM demands 'facts'
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to condemn Donald Trump over the Venezuela strikes as he says he "needs to establish facts".
The Prime Minister made clear Britain was "not in any way involved in this operation" and said he wishes to speak to President Trump and allies.
He said: "It is obviously a fast moving situation and we need to establish all the facts.
"What I can say is the UK was not involved in any way in this operation and as you would expect we are focusing on British nationals in Venezuela and working very closely with our embassy.
"I will want to talk to the President, I will want to talk to allies, but at the moment I think we need to establish the facts."
Several left-wing MPs, including Zack Polanski and Jeremy Corbyn, have condemned the strikes.
When asked if he also condemned the attacks, Sir Keir responded: "I want to establish the facts first.
"I want to speak to President Trump, I want to speak to allies. I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved in that.
"As you know, I always say and believe we should all uphold international law but I think at this stage, fast moving situation, lets establish the facts and take it from there."
The PM confirmed there were around 500 Britons in Venezuela.
'Nobody will shed tears for President Maduro being removed', says the Conservatives
The Tories have said "nobody will shed tears" for President Maduro following his "capture" by US special forces.
Priti Patel, shadow foreign secretary, said: "We have always strongly condemned Maduro’s brutal and repressive regime and the Conservative Government did not consider Maduro’s administration as legitimate.
"Nobody will shed tears for him being removed.
"We await the full facts about the US operation which has removed Maduro and we want to see the Venezuelan people enjoy democratic norms and freedoms.
"This is clearly a very serious geopolitical moment."
Brazil says US crossed 'unacceptable line' over airstrikes
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has condemned the US attack on Venezuela
|GETTY
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has condemned the US attack on Venezuela and the capture of his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, calling it the crossing of "an unacceptable line".
"These acts represent a grave affront to Venezuela's sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community," the president said in a post on X.
READ IN FULL: Maduro charged with narco-terrorism after being captured by US special forces
Attorney General Pam Bondi has confirmed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism.
In a social media post, Ms Bondi said: "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York.
"Nicolas 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 against the United States.
"They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire US 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."
Foreign Office urges Britons not to travel to Venezuela
The Foreign Office has warned Britons not to travel to Venezuela.
It said: "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."
"On January 3, Venezuelan authorities announced a ‘state of external commotion’ due to air strikes on targets across the country," the FCDO added.
"This could lead to closure of Venezuelan borders and airspace."
President Maduro indicted on drugs and weapons charges, says US Attorney General
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been indicted on drugs and weapons charges in New York.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed 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 against the United States".
"They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," she added.
Ms Bondi also said: "A huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers.
Venezuelan president will 'stand trial on criminal charges' in US, says senator
President Nicolas Maduro was allegedly 'captured' by US special forces
|GETTY/JESUS VARGAS
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will "stand trial on criminal charges in the US", according to Republican US Senator Mike Lee.
Mr Lee wrote to X: "Just got off the phone with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant."
Nigel Farage says Venezuela attack 'may be a good thing'
Nigel Farage said the attacks on Venezuela "may be a good thing", adding the country can "turn a new leaf" without President Maduro.
The Reform MP said: "The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law — but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing.
"I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro."
Italy 'closely monitoring situation in Venezuela', says PM
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she is "closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela", with an aim "to gathering information about our fellow citizens" in the country.
The PM added she was in constant contact with Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Around 160,000 Italians currently live in Venezuela, most of them with dual citizenship.
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana condemn 'illegal' attack on Caracas and label it 'brazen attempt to secure control of Venezuela resources'
Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana have condemned the attack
|PA
Your Party co-founders Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana have condemned the "illegal" attack on Venezuela.
Former Labour leader Mr Corbyn said the airstrikes should be condemned by "anyone who believes in sovereignty and international law".
He wrote to X: "The US has launched an unprovoked and illegal attack on Venezuela.
"This is a brazen attempt to secure control over Venezuelan natural resources.
"It is an act of war that puts the lives of millions of people at risk — and should be condemned by anyone who believes in sovereignty and international law."
Ms Sultana meanwhile called on Sir Keir Starmer to condemn the attacks "unequivocally".
The Coventry South MP wrote to X: "Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves — and that’s no coincidence.
"This is naked U.S. imperialism: an illegal assault on Caracas aimed at overthrowing a sovereign government and plundering its resources.
"Starmer’s Labour Government must condemn this unequivocally. Solidarity with the Venezuelan people."
Russia condemns US 'act of armed aggression' against Venezuela
Russia has condemned an "act of armed aggression" against Venezuela by the US, Russian Foreign Ministry has said.
"In the current situation, it is important... to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue," the ministry said in a statement.
Donald Trump says 'capture' of President Maduro was 'brilliant operation'
Donald Trump said the 'capture' of President Maduro required a 'lot of good planning'
|REUTERS
Donald Trump has described the alleged capture of President Maduro as a "brilliant operation".
Speaking to The New York Times, he said: "A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people."
“It was a brilliant operation, actually," he added.
Venezuelan government unaware of President Maduro's whereabouts after 'capture' following airstrikes
The Venezuelan leader was allegedly 'captured' following US airstrikes on the country
|REUTERS
The Venezuelan government does not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro or his wife Cilia Flores, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on Saturday morning in an audio played on state tv.
"We demand immediate proof of life of President Nicolas Maduro and the first combatant Cilia Flores," Vice President Rodriguez said.
President Maduro was captured by US special forces troops
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by elite US special forces troops, a US official has said.
Speaking to Sky News, sources inside the Venezuelan opposition said they believe his alleged capture was a "negotiated exit".
No aircraft over Venezuela following airstrikes, according to flight tracker
Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 currently says there are no aircraft over Venezuela | FLIGHTRADAR24
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says there are "safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity" in Venezuela.
Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 currently says there are no aircraft over the country.
Venezuela will resist presence of foreign troops - defence minister
Venezuela will resist the presence of foreign troops, defence minister Vladimir Padrino has said.
The US President claims Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and was being removed from the country.
A US attack on the country in the early morning struck civilian areas, Mr Padrino said, and Venezuela is compiling information about those deceased and injured.
Donald Trump confirms US has carried out 'large scale strike' against Venezuela and 'captured' President Maduro
Donald Trump claims Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been 'captured'
|REUTERS
Donald Trump has broken his silence following the airstrikes on Venezuela.
In a post to Truth Social, the US President wrote: "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.
"This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
PICTURED: Fire at Venezuela's largest military complex following airstrikes
Fire has been pictured at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex
|LUIS JAIMES/GETTY
Blasts heard at heavily-guarded airbase and communications centre
Local reports suggest blasts have been heard at an airbase and a communications centre, both of which are heavily-guarded military or Government-run facilities.
The first blast was recorded at approximately 1.50am local time.
Aeroplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were then heard and seen in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Venezuelan 'rejects extremely serious military aggression' by US
The Venezuelan government has released an official statement following the attacks.
It said it "rejects" the "extremely serious military aggression" by the US.
The statement reads: "Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current Government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory."