Britain on Friday set out new sanctions targeting 15 individuals associated with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, alleging they were responsible for human rights violations and undermining democracy and the rule of law.

The United States slapped fresh sanctions against eight senior Venezuelan officials Friday as President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in to a third term following elections Washington says were won by his opponent.

President Nicolás Maduro will extend his increasingly repressive rule over Venezuela until 2031 when he is sworn in on Friday, despite credible evidence that his opponent won the latest election and following protests against his plan to serve a third six-year term.