First picture shows Nicolás Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed on uss Iwo Jima as Trump shares arrest photo

The first official photo of deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was released by US President Donald Trump on his social media platform Truth Social. In the photo, Maduro is seen blindfolded, handcuffed, and wearing soundproof headphones while standing on the US Navy warship USS Iwo Jima.

Maduro was dressed in a Nike sweatsuit and was holding a plastic bottle of water, as shown in the image shared by Trump, as stated by the New York Post. The image also showed one law enforcement officer, mostly cropped out, standing beside Maduro and appearing to hold his arm. The photo was shared by Trump after several fake arrest images of Maduro went viral online, prompting confusion.

Maduro taken to New York

The New York Post confirmed that Maduro was being taken to New York, where he will be prosecuted on narco-terrorism charges. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was not shown in the photo, but she was also arrested and charged in the same narco-terrorism scheme. Cilia Flores is also being extradited to the Southern District of New York to face charges.

Earlier, Trump told Fox & Friends Weekend that Maduro and his wife were taken by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima after their capture in Caracas on Saturday morning, as reported by WION. When asked about their location, Trump said, “Well, they'll be heading to New York,” according to WION, quoting the interview.

USS Iwo Jima transfer

When the host asked if they were taken to a ship first, Trump confirmed, “Yes, the Iwo Jima. They’ll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter on a nice flight,” as quoted by WION report. Hours after the operation, Trump spoke at a press conference from his Mar-a-Lago estate, where he said the United States will “run” Venezuela until a political transition happens.

Trump told reporters, “We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”. Trump also warned that US forces are ready to carry out a second and “much bigger” wave of strikes if needed. WION noted that Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves and has long had tense relations with the United States. The US has justified pressure on Venezuela using the “war on drugs,” claims of dictatorship, and accusations of communist rule, while control over oil resources remains a key underlying issue.

FAQs

Q1. Why was Nicolás Maduro taken to New York?

He was taken to New York to face US charges linked to narco-terrorism.

Q2. Where was the first photo of Maduro taken?

The photo was taken on the US Navy ship USS Iwo Jima after his capture.