President Nicolás Maduro is in U.S. custody following a stunning military operation. The image – shared on Trump’s Truth Social account – shows Maduro aboard the U.S. Navy ship USS Iwo Jima wearing a blindfold and handcuffs, as described by multiple news outlets reporting on the situation. The Times of Israel+1
The photo appears to capture Maduro shortly after U.S. forces carried out a dramatic overnight mission in Caracas that resulted in his capture and extraction from Venezuela. In the image, Maduro is restrained and blindfolded, consistent with U.S. official descriptions, and is reported to be en route to New York to face criminal charges brought by U.S. authorities related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. People.com
Trump and U.S. officials have framed the operation as part of an effort to hold Maduro accountable and to support a political transition in Venezuela. In a press announcement, Trump said the U.S. would “run” Venezuela until a safe, proper transition could be established, underscoring the extraordinary scale and diplomatic implications of the action. Home
The operation – described by U.S. sources as a carefully planned military raid – also involved the capture of Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, who is reported to be facing charges alongside him. Maduro’s removal and the public release of this photo have triggered widespread international reactions, with some governments condemning the U.S. move as an infringement on Venezuela’s sovereignty, while others supported holding Maduro accountable for alleged crimes. TELEMUNDO.com+1
This is a rapidly developing international story with major geopolitical fallout in the Americas and beyond. More details are expected as courts schedule hearings and governments respond to the unprecedented capture of a sitting or recently serving head of state.
