President Donald Trump said Saturday the United States will "run" Venezuela until a political transition can occur, after the spectacular US military operation to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country.

"We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump told a press conference, adding that US forces were ready to conduct a second, "much bigger" wave of strikes if necessary.

Trump also posted a photo of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in custody on a US naval ship and wearing both a blindfold and handcuffs.

Photo on of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in custody on a US naval ship and wearing both a blindfold and handcuffs, posted by US President Donald Trump. Photo: Truth Social/@realDonaldTrump
Photo on of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in custody on a US naval ship and wearing both a blindfold and handcuffs, posted by US President Donald Trump. Photo: Truth Social/@realDonaldTrump

"Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, along with a picture showing Maduro hours after he was snatched by US forces.

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The Venezuelan leader had on what appeared to be noise-canceling ear muffs and grey Nike-branded sweatpants and jacket.

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