US claims control as power struggle deepens in Venezuela

Uncertainty is mounting in Venezuela after the arrest of Nicolas Maduro last weekend.

The United States continues to signal its continued control after US forces launched a military operation targeting key sites in the country.

But international relations expert Klass Mokgole says there's no evidence that President Donald Trump wants an all-out war.

"It's just speculation. His style of leadership raises a lot of eyebrows."

Trump says Washington will oversee Venezuela until what he describes as a 'safe and proper transition' can take place, arguing that past leadership has failed the Venezuelan people.

"What we know is that he wants quick wins...he likes economic pressure, he likes credit. He wants the credit to look like he's very tough...but I don't think the US wants war."

On Monday, the South African government strongly condemned the US military operation which led to the capture of Maduro and his wife.

Maduro appeared in court in New York at the start of the week, wherehe pleaded not guilty to various charges, including drug trafficking, while telling the court, "I am still president."

Meanwhile, Donald Trump said his decisions on foreign intervention are guided by what he described as his 'own morality'.

Speaking to The New York Times, he said it was only his personal judgement that mattered in respect of international law.

Mokgole says Trump will have a hard time convincing even US allies of his position.

"The UK, their positioning on this was sort of against it, I don't think even [the United States'] friends are going to agree to this."

To listen to Klass Mokgole in conversation with 702's Ray White, click audio below: