The first image showing deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima has circulated widely online, intensifying speculation over reports that he was arrested by U.S. forces during what has been described as an unprovoked military operation.
The photograph was posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his official platform. Alongside the image, Trump claimed responsibility for Maduro’s capture, describing the operation in dramatic terms.
“An assault like people haven’t seen since World War II,” Trump said.
Trump also suggested a prolonged U.S. role inside Venezuela. According to his remarks, the United States intends to maintain control until a political transition is completed.
“We’re gonna stay, we’re gonna run Venezuela until a proper transition takes place,” Trump said. “We’re ready to stage a second, much larger attack if we need to. But we hope not.”
He framed the operation in economic terms, stating that major U.S. oil companies would enter Venezuela to “rebuild” the country, citing its vast oil reserves as a source of future prosperity for both nations.
“Beautiful big American oil companies are coming in to rebuild, benefitting from Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which will make many people in Venezuela and the U.S. very rich and very happy,” Trump added.
