A political cartoon from approximately twenty years ago has gone viral on social media after the United States forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The cartoon appears to have made a foreboding that the US would launch a military operation against Venezuela. The cartoon has been making rounds on social media after America struck the Latin American nation and captured its president.
US captured Nicolas Maduro
The United States carried out an attack on Venezuela on January 3, 2026, and detained the country's long-time president, Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife. The operation took place overnight and caused power outages in parts of Caracas. During the mission, US Special Forces arrested Maduro at or close to one of his safe houses.
After the arrest, US President Donald Trump said that they will "run" the country until they can ensure a legal transition of power. He added, "We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind," Trump added, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Also Read | US strikes a cowardly act, will not give in to American pressure, says Venezuela Defense Minister
What does the viral cartoon show?
In this context, famed Brazilian political cartoonist Carlos Latuff's 2007 cartoon came into light and has been making rounds on social media platforms. The cartoon shows a figure resembling 'Uncle Sam' sitting on the president's chair in the Oval Office of the White House, and talking on the phone. Titled "Crimes in Progress", the cartoon further features a list of countries lying on the desk behind 'Uncle Sam', with Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and Bolivia in the 'To Do' list, and Palestine, Iraq, and Afghanistan in the 'Done' section.
The viral 2007 cartoon from Carlos Latuff
Latuff, 57, is a famous cartoonist known for his strong criticism of the West and his opposition to US military actions abroad.
Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores landed in upstate New York on Saturday evening, as per reports. They were initially made to board the USS Iwo Jima after their capture by the United States forces.
