"We are gonna run Venezuela until they can have a safe, democratic and judicious transition," US President Donald Trump announced in a White House press conference on Saturday, after he successful captured Nicolas Maduro and indicted him for narco trafficking.
Trump called it a "spectacular assault like people have not seen since WW2." The operation involved a large scale middle-of-the-night military operation and raid on Maduro's base, as well as strikes across the country.
"This was one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of US military might and competence in US history."
He stated that all Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless, and that not a single US service member was killed and not a single piece of military equipment was lost during the operation.
Trump: Venezuela expected US move, but was unable to counter it
According to Trump, the Venezuelan leadership knew the US was coming and was waiting for them, but was "completely overwhelmed and quickly incapacitated."
"We were ready to go in and do a second attack if we needed to do so," said Trump. "We assumed a second wave would be necessary but now it's probably not. The first attack was so successful."
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been indicted in the southern district of New York on deadly narco terrorism charges, he added, and will face the American justice system. This was separately confirmed by US Attorney-General Pam Bondi.
Regarding what's next for Venezuela, Trump said the US will run it until a fair and democratic transition takes place that ensures "peace, liberty and judiciousness for the great people of Venezuela."
"We can't take the chance that someone will take over that won't have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind," he added.
Trump also said he will send very large United States oil companies in to "spend billions of dollars, fix the infrastructure and make money for the country."
"Maduro will never again be able to threaten a US citizen."
He added that the US retains all military options until its demands have been met and fully satisfied.
"This partnership of Venezuela with the United States of America will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe. And it will make the many people from Venezuela living in the US very happy, they've been through so much."
"The western hemisphere is now a much safer place to be," he concluded.