Contact with the aircraft was lost just minutes before it was due to land in northern Colombia, state airline Satena says.

The US Secretary of State remained robustly on message when asked about the legality of Maduro's removal, plans for oil sales, and the future of Venezuela.

Tehran says its armed forces are ready "with their fingers on the trigger" to respond to any aggression.

The country cut off internet access on 8 January following a government crackdown on protesters.