A political cartoon from 2007 has shockingly re-emerged on social media, with many claiming it predicted the recent United States military intervention in Venezuela. The cartoon, created by Brazilian artist Carlos Latuff, has gone viral following the dramatic extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces in an operation codenamed 'Absolute Resolve'.
The Prescient 2007 Cartoon: 'Crimes in Progress'
The cartoon at the centre of this debate is titled 'Crimes in Progress'. It was drawn by Carlos Latuff, a known critic of Western foreign policy. The artwork depicts Uncle Sam in the White House, casually taking phone calls. Next to him is a box labelled 'To Do', which lists four countries: Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran.
Following the news of the US operation in Venezuela, Latuff reposted the nearly two-decade-old image on social media platform X. The post quickly gained massive traction, amassing over fifty thousand engagements in a short span. Online observers were stunned by the cartoon's apparent foresight, interpreting it as a symbolic prediction of Venezuela's current vulnerability to US interference.
Operation 'Absolute Resolve': The Event That Sparked the Debate
The catalyst for the cartoon's resurgence was a real-world military action. On January 3, 2026, the United States launched Operation 'Absolute Resolve' in Venezuela. US Special Forces conducted a mission that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The operation caused temporary disruptions, including a blackout in parts of Caracas. US President Donald Trump announced that the US would oversee a transition period in Venezuela to prevent further chaos. News footage and reports confirmed that an aircraft carrying Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, landed at Stewart International Airport in New York, where US officials took him into custody.
Interpretation: Prediction or Reflection of Enduring Concerns?
The viral rediscovery of Latuff's cartoon has ignited a debate about its meaning. Is it a genuine prediction, or does it simply voice long-standing geopolitical anxieties? Analysts note that political cartoons often highlight enduring trends and patterns rather than specific future events.
The power of the 'Crimes in Progress' cartoon lies in its stark alignment with an extreme political occurrence. It has become a powerful symbol for those who view US foreign policy through a lens of consistent intervention. Whether prophetic or merely perceptive, the cartoon's return underscores how historical art can frame contemporary crises, forcing a re-examination of past warnings in the light of present-day realities.
