U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being held aboard the warship USS Iwo Jima. They are en route to New York. Speaking in a phone interview with Fox News, Trump confirmed that yes, they are on the Iwo Jima ship. They are on their way to New York. A helicopter took them on a pleasant flight – I am sure they will appreciate it. But remember, they have harmed many people.
Trump further stated that he instructed Maduro to surrender. Essentially, I said you must surrender. He revealed that he had spoken to Maduro a week prior. It was a significant symbol. We discussed it. I personally spoke with him. But I said you have to surrender.
This claim followed a U.S. assault on Venezuela, where Delta Force captured Maduro. The Venezuelan government called this an 'invasion' and sought international help.
The U.S. accused the Maduro government of drug trafficking. The Trump administration exerted pressure for months. On January 3, explosions occurred in Caracas, where U.S. military forces struck strongholds such as Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota.
Source: aajtak
The USS Iwo Jima is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship that transports troops, helicopters, and combat aircraft. It plays a crucial role in launching helicopters. Here are its key specifications...
Class: Wasp-class Amphibious Assault Ship
Length: 843 Feet (257 Meters)
Beam (Width): 104 Feet (31.8 Meters)
Draft (Depth in Water): 27 Feet (8.2 Meters)
Displacement (Weight): 40,500 Long Tons Full Load (41,150 Metric Tons)
Propulsion (Engines): Two Boilers, Two Gear Turbines
Speed: Approximately 25.4 Knots
Crew: 1208 Sailors + 1894 Marine Troops
Capacity: 20-30 Helicopters (e.g., CH-53, MV-22), 6 AV-8B or F-35B Fighter Jets, Landing Craft (LCAC)
Armament: 2 RAM Missile Launchers, 2 Phalanx CIWS Guns, Three .50 Caliber Machine Guns, Electronic Warfare System.
Special Features: Flight Deck, Well Dock (Loading Ships from Sea), Medical Facilities (Hospital-like), Can carry up to 1894 Marines. Designed for amphibious operations.
Commissioned in 2001, this ship is named after the Battle of Iwo Jima. Operating from the Caribbean, it functions as a command center. Trump described it as a step to curb drug trafficking, while Venezuela condemned the action. Russia and China have voiced opposition. Upon reaching New York, Maduro will face trial. The world is watching closely.
