In a recent development that has captured global attention, President Donald Trump unveiled a photograph on Saturday that depicted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro blindfolded aboard a U.S. military ship, the USS Iwo Jima. This image, posted on Truth Social and presented to the media at Mar-a-Lago, serves as unequivocal evidence of Maduro's apprehension by American forces.
The capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, occurred during a night operation at approximately 2:00 a.m. local time within the confines of the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas, a facility notorious for its robust defense and significance to Venezuelan military operations. The mission, executed by U.S. Army Delta Force operatives alongside federal law enforcement, encountered Maduro asleep and swiftly prevented his attempt to reach a secure area within the compound.
President Trump detailed the events, expressing that U.S. personnel were prepared to breach heavy fortifications if needed, though Maduro was apprehended before reaching safety. The precision of the operation is attributed to a series of airstrikes and missile attacks that targeted Venezuelan defense systems and command infrastructure, serving the dual purpose of eliminating threats and diverting attention from the ground assault.
As the mission unfolded, Caracas skies were marked by low-flying U.S. military helicopters and the city was periodically illuminated by explosions. The Venezuelan state media's temporary silence during these events added to the tense atmosphere.
Remarkably, President Trump has confirmed that no American lives were lost during the operation, although some injuries among U.S. service members were reported. The scale of these injuries has not been disclosed.
In the wake of the operation, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez took to state television, demanding proof of life for Maduro and Flores. This request was met when President Trump released the incriminating image, dispelling any uncertainty regarding Maduro's condition and whereabouts.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has since verified that Maduro and Flores are under indictment in the Southern District of New York on a series of grave charges, including narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and weapons offenses. Reflecting on the operation, Bondi commended the mission's success and President Trump's decisive authorization, highlighting the move as a stride toward justice.
Maduro's indictment is tied to his alleged leadership of the Cartel de los Soles, which U.S. authorities accuse of narcotic proliferation within the U.S. and sustaining a repressive regime domestically. President Trump has been vocal in his denunciation of Maduro as a narco-terrorist, promising to bring him to justice.
As Maduro is transported to the United States, international focus now shifts to the future of Venezuela. President Trump has indicated that the U.S. will facilitate a temporary stabilization phase as the nation transitions to new leadership.
