‘We will run the country,’ Trump says after Venezuela attack

US President Donald Trump said Washington will “run” Venezuela until a political transition can occur, hours after US bombs exploded over Caracas and the country’s President Nicolas Maduro was seized by the US military.

“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.

He also mentioned that the military caused a blackout in the Venezuelan capital Caracas so it could carry out the kidnapping of Maduro and his wife.

When asked if running the country would entail US soldiers being based in Venezuela, Trump said there was no reason to fear putting boots on the ground.

Nor did the President rule out similar actions against other countries. Trump accused Colombia of having “cocaine mills” and of sending drugs to the US, repeating comments that Colombia’s president needs to “watch his ass.”

Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also criticised Cuba as a failed state, with Rubio saying “If I was in the government in Havana I would be concerned.”

The main reaction in Europe to the US’ military action has been to call for restraint and respect for international law.

Trump also did not shy away from the perception of economic self-interest behind the US’ involvement in Venezuela, he said that he would allow American oil companies to head into Venezuela to “take back” massive crude reserves.

“We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” Trump said.

Even so, Trump said that the US’ oil embargo on Venezuela remains in force.

(cp)

UPDATES: This article is being updated as the press conference unfolds.