Was the US operation in Venezuela predicted by a 2007 political cartoon?

Decades-old cartoon sparks Venezuela debate (x:@LatuffCartoons)

Drawn nearly two decades ago, a political cartoon has resurfaced online and gone viral, with many suggesting it appeared to predict the recent US military operation against Venezuela.

Decades-old cartoon draws fresh attention

US officials said the operation — codenamed “Absolute Resolve” — had been planned and rehearsed for months. But online attention has focused on a political cartoon that appeared to anticipate the intervention years earlier.

Brazilian political cartoonist Carlos Latuff reposted his 2007 illustration following the US strike. Titled “Crimes in Progress”, the cartoon depicts Uncle Sam on the phone in the White House beside a list of countries previously invaded by the United States.

A box marked “To Do” lists four countries: Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba and Iran.

Latuff, 57, is known for work critical of Western foreign policy and US military interventions. His 2007 cartoon has gained renewed traction, clocking more than 30,000 views within hours of being reposted.

US raid leads to Maduro’s capture

The United States launched a military operation against Venezuela on January 3, 2026, capturing long-serving President Nicolas Maduro. The overnight raid, which knocked out electricity in parts of Caracas, saw US Special Forces detain Maduro in or near one of his safe houses.

“We will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” US President Donald Trump said. “We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind.”

Meanwhile, a plane carrying Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, landed in upstate New York on Saturday evening, according to multiple media reports. Video footage showed an aircraft arriving at Stewart International Airport, about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of New York City.

Several US personnel wearing FBI and other agency apparel were seen boarding the plane after landing. Television networks including CNN, Fox News and MS Now identified a passenger disembarking as Maduro.