Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, sustained injuries during a U.S. military operation that led to their capture in Caracas early on January 3, according to several official sources and international media reports.
The mission, named Operation Absolute Resolve, marked one of the boldest U.S. direct interventions in the region in decades. It combined aerial assaults, an induced blackout in Caracas, targeted bombings, and a ground incursion by special forces.
Sourcing from NBC, officials and individuals familiar with the mission revealed that when Delta Force units stormed the complex, Maduro and Flores attempted to flee and hide.
Inside the Complex: A Desperate Escape
In their attempt to reach a secure room with steel doors, both Maduro and Flores collided with walls and low door frames, resulting in bruises, bleeding, and head injuries.
Witnesses from the initial trial in New York observed that Maduro was limping and struggling to walk, while Flores appeared disoriented at times.
U.S. forces utilized stun grenades—devices that produce intense flashes and loud sounds—to disorient the occupants before entering the fortified residence.
The Aftermath: Legal Proceedings and Medical Concerns
These flashes and explosions were part of the assault strategy to neutralize resistance and allow operatives to navigate safely through the fortified bunker.
After their capture, both were evacuated by helicopter to Stewart Air National Guard Base, north of New York City, for initial medical evaluations.
Later, they appeared in a Manhattan federal court, facing charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, to which they pleaded not guilty.
During the hearing, Flores was seen with head bandages and visible bruises, and her lawyer requested further medical exams for potential rib fractures. Meanwhile, Maduro claimed he was "kidnapped" and described himself as a "prisoner of war."
Impact on Venezuela and Beyond
The operation also had significant repercussions in Venezuela: Venezuelan and Cuban security forces suffered dozens of casualties during the clashes, and the Caracas government declared a national mourning period. The U.S. reported several injured personnel but no fatalities among its ranks.
The capture of Maduro and Flores reshapes the Venezuelan political landscape and opens a period of uncertainty under the interim administration of Delcy Rodríguez.
Key Questions About the U.S. Operation and Its Impact on Venezuela
What was the objective of Operation Absolute Resolve?
The primary objective of Operation Absolute Resolve was to capture Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, who are accused of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
How did the operation affect the political situation in Venezuela?
The capture of Maduro and Flores has significantly altered the political landscape in Venezuela, leading to a period of uncertainty under the interim leadership of Delcy Rodríguez.
What were the consequences of the operation in terms of casualties?
The operation resulted in numerous casualties among Venezuelan and Cuban security forces, while the U.S. reported several injuries but no fatalities.