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In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been apprehended by U.S. forces during a covert operation in Caracas early Saturday morning. The couple was swiftly transported out of Venezuela to confront federal charges in the United States. This bold maneuver by the U.S. government marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions with Maduro’s administration, which has denounced the intervention as an act of “imperialism.” Both Maduro and Flores are charged with involvement in a narco-terrorism conspiracy by U.S. authorities.
Cilia Flores, aged 69, is not only Maduro’s wife but also a formidable figure within Venezuela’s ruling socialist party. Her influence in the political landscape is substantial, having been a key player since the early days of the Chavista movement. Flores has been Maduro’s confidante and adviser for more than 30 years, cementing her position as one of the most powerful women in the Venezuelan government.
The U.S. Justice Department has issued indictments that name Flores, alongside Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, accusing them of actively participating in drug trafficking and arms conspiracies. These allegations paint a damning picture of the family’s purported criminal activities that have long been under international scrutiny.
Who is Cilia Flores?
Flores’ journey began in the working-class neighborhoods of Caracas, having been born in Tinaquillo, Venezuela. With a background in labor and criminal law, she established her legal career by supporting Hugo Chávez and other military officials after their failed coup attempt in 1992. Her legal acumen and political prowess have been instrumental in her rise within Venezuela’s socialist movement, underscoring her strategic role beside Maduro.
Justice Department indictment documents explicitly name Flores and Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, accusing them of playing direct roles in drug trafficking and weapons conspiracies tied to the alleged operation.
Born in Tinaquillo, Venezuela, Flores grew up in working-class neighborhoods in Caracas and trained as a lawyer specializing in labor and criminal law. She became involved in politics during the early days of the Chavista movement, providing legal assistance to Hugo Chávez and other military officers after their failed 1992 coup attempt.
It was during that period that she met Maduro, who later rose through the movement’s ranks.
Flores built her own political career after Chávez was elected president. She was first elected to Venezuela’s National Assembly in 2000 and reelected in 2005.
In 2006, she became the first woman to preside over the legislature, a position she held until 2011. She later served as Venezuela’s attorney general from 2012 to 2013 and has held senior roles within the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela.
After Maduro won the presidency in 2013, Flores became first lady, though she adopted the title “first combatant,” rejecting the idea of a typical “first lady” and wielding greater influence.
Flores has remained a polarizing figure over the years, drawing criticism over her tenure in parliament and later facing international sanctions. At the time of her capture, she was serving as a deputy in Venezuela’s National Assembly and remained closely aligned with Maduro’s leadership.
