Nicolás Maduro, currently on board the USS Iwo Jima en route to New York, is expected to make a brief stop at the U.S. military base in Guantanamo Bay before continuing his journey to the city.
According to two sources familiar with the plans, as reported by CNN, this stop is being considered as a logistical measure to expedite his transfer. By embarking him at Guantanamo, authorities can take him directly to New York, bypassing the need to present him before another court first.
The report clarifies that the base, often referred to as "Gitmo," is situated in southeastern Cuba along the coast of Guantanamo Bay. CNN did not disclose specific details regarding the timing of the stop or how long Maduro would remain at the facility, attributing the information solely to the two informed sources.
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are "heading to New York" to face a federal court process. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that both individuals "were charged in New York" and are currently being transported to U.S. soil aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a versatile amphibious assault ship of the U.S. Navy.
Trump, during a press conference at the White House, mentioned that they were initially taken to a U.S. military platform. "They were transferred to the assault ship USS Iwo Jima and will then head to New York... by helicopter," he noted, without specifying the ultimate destination for the Venezuelan leader.
This morning, Trump also released the first photo of Maduro following his capture, which, according to the president, depicts him aboard the U.S. military vessel USS Iwo Jima. The image was shared on Truth Social, where Trump affirmed that the Venezuelan leader is being transported on that ship "to face charges."
Insights on Maduro's Transfer to New York
Why is Nicolás Maduro stopping at Guantanamo Bay?
The stop at Guantanamo Bay is a logistical consideration to streamline Maduro's transfer to New York, allowing authorities to take him directly to the city without stopping at another court.
What charges is Nicolás Maduro facing in New York?
Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been charged in a federal court in New York. Specific charges have not been detailed in this article.