Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
For The Period 2 To 6 January 2026 (inclusive): Briefings, Talking Points, Back Pocket Briefs Or Other Information Prepared By DFAT For Federal Government Ministers And Ministerial Offices…
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For The Period 2 To 6 January 2026 (inclusive): Briefings, Talking Points, Back Pocket Briefs Or Other Information Prepared By DFAT For Federal Government Ministers And Ministerial Offices (including But Not Limited To The Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, Treasurer And Industry Minister) Following The American Military And Policing Operation In Venezuela In Early January 2026 Which Captured President Nicolas Maduro, Including (but Not Limited To) Discussion Of International Law, The Legality Of The US Operation, Discussion Of The Capture Of President Nicolas Maduro, And Suggested Responses To Questions On Those Matters, And Excluding Documents Released In LEX 13228.
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DFAT prepared briefings and talking points for Australian government ministers following a January 3, 2026 US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The disclosed cable from the US Embassy reports that over 150 aircraft deployed from 20 bases across the Western Hemisphere in "Operation Absolute Resolve," involving integrated military, intelligence, and law enforcement components. US Special Forces landed at Maduro's fortified Caracas military complex after airstrikes targeted the capital and military installations in Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira states. President Trump announced the operation and indicated US intentions to temporarily administer Venezuela, with American oil companies restoring infrastructure and exploiting resources, while retaining all military options until demands were satisfied. The Maduro government faced charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation. Documents prepared Australian ministerial responses addressing the operation's international legal implications and appropriate diplomatic positions.
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