President Donald Trump on Saturday posted a photo showing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in custody aboard a United States naval ship, with the Venezuelan leader handcuffed and blindfolded.
The image, shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform, was captioned: “Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima.”
In the photograph, Maduro appeared to be wearing noise-cancelling earmuffs and grey Nike-branded sweatpants and a jacket.
The post followed Trump’s earlier announcement that US forces had captured Maduro during what he described as a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela.
According to Trump, the operation was carried out in conjunction with US law enforcement agencies, and Maduro, along with his wife, was flown out of the country.
In a brief phone interview with The New York Times, Trump hailed the operation as “brilliant,” crediting what he described as extensive planning and the efforts of US troops.
READ ALSO: Venezuelan President Maduro ‘Captured’ In ‘Large Scale’ US Strike — Trump
Trump said he would provide further details during a news conference scheduled for 11:00 am (1600 GMT) at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
The development comes after months of escalating US military and economic pressure on Venezuela and its oil-dependent economy.
In December, Trump suggested it would be “smart” for Maduro to step down and has repeatedly said the Venezuelan leader’s “days are numbered.”
Trump’s claim of Maduro’s capture came days after the Venezuelan president attempted to engage with him, offering cooperation on combating drug trafficking and illegal migration.
The US president has accused Venezuela of being a major source of drugs entering the United States and of seizing US oil interests.
While Trump has not explicitly called for Maduro’s removal, the United States and several European nations do not recognise his legitimacy as president.
In recent weeks, the US has established a significant naval and aerial presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and other warships.
US forces have also seized oil tankers as part of an oil blockade and carried out aerial strikes targeting vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Earlier this week, Trump said US forces destroyed a docking area allegedly used by Venezuelan drug boats, marking what he described as the first known strike on Venezuelan soil during the campaign.
