USS Iwo Jima
By Chris Williams
Caracas, Venezuela –
In a dramatic escalation that has stunned the world, United States President Donald Trump confirmed on January 3, 2026, that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured by U.S. forces and are now aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship.
Trump shared a photo of Maduro on board the vessel, marking a bold visual confirmation of the operation that followed intense airstrikes on Venezuelan military sites.
For ordinary Venezuelans already enduring blackouts and economic hardship, this news brings a whirlwind of fear and confusion, as families wonder if this signals the end of Maduro’s rule or the start of a deeper crisis.
The image, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform, shows Maduro in custody, a move that Trump described as part of a “large-scale strike” against what he calls a criminal regime.
Maduro, in a swift denial from an undisclosed location, rejected the claims as “fake news” and declared a national emergency, vowing to defend Venezuela against “imperialist aggression.”
This high-stakes drama, unfolding in the early hours with explosions rocking Caracas and nearby states, has left communities on edge, with reports of street fighting and power outages adding to the chaos.
As South Africans reflect on our own history of resisting external forces, this story serves as a reminder of how quickly sovereignty can be challenged, potentially driving up global oil prices that hit our economy hard.
With unconfirmed details of U.S. troops on the ground and no clear plan from Trump beyond a “safe transition,” the situation remains tense, testing international alliances and leaving millions worried about what 2026 holds for Venezuela and the region.
The strikes targeted key locations in Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda State, and Aragua, causing widespread disruption. As diplomatic condemnations pour in, the hope is for quick de-escalation to protect innocent lives caught in the middle.
The Photo Confirmation: Trump’s Bold Visual Claim
President Trump shared the image himself on social media, providing what he calls proof of Maduro’s capture aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
The photo, taken in what appears to be a secure area on the ship, shows Maduro detained, a striking visual that has gone viral worldwide.
Trump captioned it with details of the operation, noting that Maduro and his wife were flown out of the country after the strikes.
This direct sharing from the president adds a personal touch to the announcement, bypassing traditional channels and fuelling immediate reactions.
The USS Iwo Jima, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship capable of carrying helicopters and troops, was reportedly part of the naval task force deployed to the Caribbean in late 2025.
Its involvement suggests a coordinated air and sea operation, with the ship serving as a floating base for captures. For military experts, this choice makes sense for quick extractions in hostile territory, avoiding ground holds.
Maduro’s team dismissed the photo as manipulated “fake news,” but its release has deepened divisions, with supporters rallying to his denial while opponents celebrate what they see as liberation
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