New Delhi, Jan. 3 -- US President Donald Trump on Saturday (January 3) speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, said the United States would effectively "run" Venezuela until a "safe" transition to democracy is secured, after Maduro is transferred to New York to face charges.

"We're going to run it until it's safe, until there is a proper transition to democracy," he said.

Trump claimed that American forces carried out an "extraordinary" military operation in Venezuela's capital, arresting President Nicolas Maduro and warning that Washington is prepared to launch a second, far larger strike if required.

Trump said the operation was conducted overnight in Caracas on his direct orders and involved US militar...