USS Iwo Jima: The floating fortress which conquered Venezuela

Washington: The US Navy warship USS Iwo Jima has played a crucial role in the American military action against Venezuela and the subsequent detention Nicolas Maduro, the president of the South American country. 

Following the raid on Caracas during the early hours of Saturday, US President Donald Trump had announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were being held aboard the USS Iwo Jima on their way to New York. 

"Yes, they're on the Iwo Jima. They're heading to New York. A helicopter took them out, and they had a nice flight – I'm sure they'll enjoy it. But they've killed a lot of people. Remember that," Trump had told the media.

Trump further stated that he had spoken to Maduro a week and had told the Venezuela president to surrender. 

" I said basically, you have to surrender. It was a very important meeting. We had a discussion. I spoke to him myself. But I said you have to surrender," the US President said.

Trump’s claim comes after a US attack on Venezuela, where the Delta Force, a special forces unit of the American military, allegedly captured Maduro. The Venezuelan government called it an "invasion" and appealed for international assistance.

How did the operation unfold?

The US had accused the Maduro government of drug trafficking. The Trump administration had been applying pressure on the Venezuelan government for months prior the operation. On January 3, several explosions rocked Caracas as the  US forces attacked the city and bombed strategic targets such as Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota.

What are the features of the USS Iwo Jima?

The USS Iwo Jima is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship that carries troops, helicopters, and fighter jets. It played a central role in the operation, serving as the launch platform for the helicopters. 

The USS Iwo Jima is a large US Navy ship that functions like a mini aircraft carrier. It has a length of 840 feet with a flight deck which is 140 feet wide and can transport Marines, helicopters, jets, and boats, allowing it to launch troops and vehicles directly onto shore.

The ship was commissioned in 2001. It is named after the Battle of Iwo Jima. In this operation, it served as a command center from the Caribbean. Trump described the Amreican military raid as a move to stop drug trafficking, but Venezuela has condemned it. Russia and China have also protested against the US action. Maduro will face trial upon arrival in New York. The world is watching.