WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima is operating in the Caribbean Sea as part of a high-profile mission involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, according to statements made by President Donald Trump on Saturday.
Trump said Maduro and his wife were taken into U.S. custody during an overnight operation and are now being transported toward New York to face criminal charges. The mission, referred to by U.S. officials as Operation Absolute Resolve, marks one of the most significant foreign-policy actions of the current administration.
Details of the Operation
According to Trump, Maduro was extracted from a Venezuelan military installation and transported by U.S. special operations helicopters to the USS Iwo Jima. Photos shared publicly showed him blindfolded and handcuffed during the transfer.
In comments to Fox News, Trump confirmed that the helicopter extraction was conducted overnight under heavy security. U.S. officials said defensive measures were taken to ensure the safe withdrawal of personnel involved in the operation.
The Ship at the Center of the Mission
Commissioned in 2001, the USS Iwo Jima is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship named after the historic Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. The vessel serves as the flagship of an Amphibious Ready Group that also includes the USS San Antonio and USS Fort Lauderdale.
The ship is designed for rapid deployment and crisis response. It can carry more than 2,000 Marines along with aircraft such as MV-22B Ospreys, CH-53E heavy-lift helicopters, and attack helicopters used in amphibious operations.
Military Coordination and Timeline
U.S. defense officials said the USS Iwo Jima has been deployed in the Caribbean region since late summer 2025, conducting maritime patrols, live-fire drills, and amphibious exercises near Venezuelan waters.
The operation reportedly involved coordination across multiple commands, with surveillance aircraft and special operations units supporting the mission. Flight tracking data indicated that a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft was used to evacuate injured personnel following the extraction.
Regional and Political Impact
Maduro’s transfer has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. Venezuelan interim leadership issued a defiant response, while international observers warned the move could further destabilize regional relations.
Russian naval activity in the broader area has added complexity to the situation, with analysts closely monitoring potential geopolitical fallout.
What Happens Next
Maduro’s expected arrival in New York shifts attention to the legal proceedings ahead. U.S. authorities have cited charges related to human rights abuses, narcotics trafficking, and election interference.
Following the transfer, the USS Iwo Jima is expected to resume its standard Amphibious Ready Group duties. Additional briefings from U.S. officials are anticipated as more details about the operation emerge.
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