Lawyer says Maduro’s wife suffered serious injuries during arrest

A lawyer for Venezuela’s captured first lady and wife of President Nicolás Maduro, Cilia Flores, told the federal court that she was injured during the U.S. operation in Venezuela that ended with the couple’s arrest on January 3 in Caracas. 

The lawyer specifically noted that she suffered “significant injuries during her arrest,” Caliber.Az reports via El Universal.

Her attorney requested that the judge authorise a full X-ray due to concerns that she might have suffered a fracture or severe bruising to her ribs. The judge asked the prosecution and the defence to ensure she receives appropriate medical care.

During this appearance before the federal court in Lower Manhattan, both she and the Venezuelan president pleaded not guilty.

On January 3, 2026, in a predawn operation involving large-scale U.S. airstrikes on military targets in Caracas and surrounding areas—including Fuerte Tiuna base, La Carlota airport, La Guaira port, and other facilities—the United States conducted a precision raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, at their residence.

Elite Delta Force units then extracted them and transported the couple aboard the USS Iwo Jima en route to face trial in New York's Southern District.

By Khagan Isayev