Did A Cartoon Predict Venezuelan Invasion By USA 2 Decades Ago? Truth Behind Viral Claim

Caracas: A nearly two-decade old political cartoon that apparently predicted United States' military operation in Venezuela is going viral on social media. This comes as the US Army launched massive strikes in and around Venezuela's capital city, Caracas, and captured its President, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife Cilia Flores.

The viral cartoon was created by Brazilian political cartoonist Carlos Latuff in 2007. He reposted the cartoon following USA's Operation Absolute Resolve' in Venezuela. Latuff captioned the post, “Cartoon prediction, 2007.”

The cartoon, titled 'Crimes In Progress', featured Uncle Sam, who is the iconic personification of the United States. Uncle Sam was seen talking on phone in what appeared to be a room in the White House. There was a box kept on the table, containing files on Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba and Iran. Theses countries were labelled in the 'TO DO' list, apparently referring to USA's plan to invade these countries.

There was also a 'DONE' list in the cartoon, with names of countries like Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan, written on skulls. These countries had been invaded by US before the cartoon was made.

Nearly two decades later, the cartoon has resurfaced online, with people drawing parallels between its imagery and real-world developments unfolding in Venezuela in January, 2026. The imagery, drawn years before Maduro even became Venezuelan President, has stunned people.

However, Latuff never intended to predict the 2026 invasion. When the sketch was made, it was meant to be a satirical critique of American foreign policy during the George W. Bush era and Washington’s tense relationship with the then Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

What Has Happened In Venezuela?

In the early hours of January 3, 2026 (local time), the United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela. At least seven blasts rocked the capital city of Caracas. A series of loud explosions were reported, triggering panic and power outages in several neighbourhoods. Civilians also heard sounds of low-flying aircraft and helicopters.

Following the invasion, US troops allegedly barged into Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores' bedroom in the heavily-guarded Fort Tiuna military complex, dragged them out of bed and flew them out of the country.

The US administration said the action was part of a crackdown on narco-terrorism, drug trafficking networks and organised crime allegedly linked to the Maduro regime. 

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