Kathrine Frich
The US military operation in Venezuela marked one of the most dramatic escalations between Washington and Caracas in years.
The raid was carried out by elite American forces and ended with the capture of the country’s long-time leader and immediately triggered political shockwaves across the region.
As more details emerged, attention shifted from the operation itself to what happened in the final moments before the arrest.
Capture operation
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were injured while attempting to flee US forces, according to a briefing provided by the US administration to several members of Congress.
Officials from President Donald Trump’s administration explained the circumstances of the capture during a closed-door meeting.
The briefing also confirmed that several members of the elite Delta Force were injured during the operation.
Injuries during escape
According to US officials, Maduro and Flores tried to evade capture inside their compound. While running, they attempted to hide behind a heavy steel door.
The door frame was too low, and both struck their heads while trying to pass through.
Cilia Flores was reportedly injured after hitting her head as she ran alongside her husband.
Delta Force members detained the couple and provided first aid after removing them from the complex, the sources said.
Visible wounds in court
Maduro and his wife later appeared in court with visible injuries.
Flores’ lawyer told the judge that she “suffered significant injuries” during the capture.
“In addition, it is believed that he may have a fracture or serious bruise to his ribs,” the lawyer said, requesting an X-ray and a full medical examination.
During the hearing, Flores staggered at times and kept her head lowered, while Maduro appeared to struggle to sit or stand, reporters said.
Courtroom sketches showed Flores with bandages around her head. Government officials later described her head injury as minor, according to sources cited by CNN.
US soldiers wounded
Several Delta Force members were also injured during the mission after an exchange of fire with a Cuban rapid reaction unit stationed near Maduro’s compound, US officials said.
A Pentagon official told CBS News that two US soldiers wounded in the January 3 operation in Caracas remain under medical care and are close to recovery. Five other soldiers who were injured have already returned to duty.
“The fact that this extremely complex and grueling mission was successfully executed with so few casualties is a testament to the experience of our joint forces,” the Pentagon official said.
Maduro and Flores remain detained in New York, where they have pleaded not guilty to multiple drug trafficking charges.
Sources: Digi24, CNN, EFE, Agerpres, CBS News
