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U.S. Seizes Venezuela’s Maduro in Caracas Raid, Moves Him to USS Iwo Jima for U.S. Trial

Following a predawn operation, officials say the pair now face SDNY narcoterrorism charges, with the White House releasing a custody photo.

Overview

  • President Trump said Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were extracted by helicopter and are in U.S. custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima heading toward New York.
  • Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced indictments in the Southern District of New York that include narcoterrorism, cocaine‑import conspiracy, and machine‑gun and destructive‑device offenses.
  • Trump posted the first custody image showing Maduro handcuffed with eyes covered aboard the ship, with a DEA-marked agent visible in the frame.
  • Trump said he monitored the raid in real time from Mar‑a‑Lago and praised U.S. forces, stating there were no American casualties during the operation.
  • Venezuelan authorities condemned the action as an “imperialist attack,” reporting explosions and damage in Caracas, while Trump signaled readiness for additional strikes if required.