Trump triumphant after launching the 'biggest US assault since World War II'

-firmed the US military had prepared a second strike if unrest continued.

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He added: "All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless and our military successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night. The lights of Caracas were turned off due to a certain expertise we have."

Trump added: "Not a single American service member was killed, not a single piece of American technology was lost."

Trump insisted he wanted "peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela" and confirmed the US would now take up administration of the country for the foreseeable future.

Venezuela declared a national emergency, with officials denouncing American "military aggression" as Venezuelan tanks were deployed on to streets.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Maduro, 63, will "stand trial on criminal charges" in the United States.

Mr Trump confirmed that Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez had been sworn is as the new leader, and added: "She's, I guess, the president. She had a long conversation with Marco and said 'we'll do what you need'. She had no choice."

Around 500 UK nationals are believed to be in Venezuela and Downing Street confirmed work is ongoing to "safeguard" them.

The Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance to advise against all travel to the South American nation.

It said: "If you are a British national already living or travelling in Venezuela, you should shelter in place, but be prepared to change your plans quickly if necessary.