Trump Shares Image Of Captured Venezuelan President Aboard US Warship

US President Donald Trump has shared the first image of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in American custody, following an overnight US military operation in Caracas.

The photograph, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, appears to show Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed aboard the US warship USS Iwo Jima.

Trump said US special forces captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a high-risk operation and later flew them by helicopter to the US naval vessel. He said the couple are being taken to New York, where they will face legal action linked to long-standing US indictments.

According to Trump, American forces safely exited Venezuelan airspace after the operation. He confirmed that some US personnel were injured but said no fatalities were reported. He later described the mission as successful and said those captured are now being held aboard a US warship.

US officials briefed on the operation told American media that the raid was carried out by the US Army’s elite Delta Force with support from FBI agents.

Per reports, the operation lasted less than 30 minutes and targeted Maduro’s residence inside the heavily guarded Fort Tiuna military complex in Caracas. Officials said Maduro and Flores were asleep and were taken from their bedroom during the raid.

Trump later said Maduro had been removed from a fortress-like location with reinforced security, adding that the absence of US fatalities was notable given the scale of the operation.

After the capture, Trump said the United States would temporarily take control of Venezuela until a political transition is arranged. Speaking in Florida, he said Washington would run the country until a safe and proper transition could take place. He did not give a timeline.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi later confirmed that Maduro and Flores have been indicted in New York. She said the couple will face prosecution in US courts on charges that include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons-related offences.

The indictments also include allegations involving possession of machine guns and destructive devices, as well as conspiracy to possess such weapons against the United States.

Trump also said he had spoken to Maduro before the operation and stated that surrender had been presented as the only option. He said the action was meant to send a message about accountability and justice. He added that Maduro and Flores are being flown to New York.

The operation is a major escalation in US foreign policy under Trump’s second term. Analysts say it follows earlier US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June and shows a more aggressive approach.

Venezuela has condemned the raid, while several countries have sought urgent clarification on Maduro’s status and the legality of the action.

The operation comes after months of increasing US pressure on Caracas, including naval deployments and reported attacks on alleged drug-smuggling routes.

US media previously reported that a CIA drone strike hit a Venezuelan docking site linked to cartel activity.

References: News18, Abplive

Source: Maritime Shipping News