> At a Glance
> – Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores suffered bruises before Delta forces reached them
> – Couple bumped into safe-room wall/door during Saturday 1 a.m. breach in Caracas
> – Both appeared in NYC federal court Monday on drug charges, pleaded not guilty
> – Why it matters: First public detail on injuries sustained during high-stakes US capture operation
Nicolás Maduro and his wife were hurt as elite US troops stormed their Caracas compound, with injuries happening before direct contact, according to two sources briefed on the raid.
How the Injuries Occurred
Flash-bang grenades disoriented the couple inside a safe room, causing them to collide with its wall or door, a US official and a separate source told News Of Philadelphia. The bruises appeared just as operators breached the residence around 1 a.m. ET Saturday.
After landing at Stewart Air National Guard Base north of New York City, both received medical checks aboard the transport aircraft.
Court Appearance and Claims
When they stood before a federal judge Monday, visible bruises marked Flores’ face. Her attorney said she may have fractured ribs and needs further evaluation; Maduro’s lawyer cited general health issues.
Maduro told the court:
> “I am a prisoner of war.”
Flores’ attorney added:
> “Our client is in good spirits. We look forward to reviewing and challenging the evidence.”
Timeline of Events
| Event | Time (ET) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Breach begins | ~1 a.m. Saturday | Caracas compound |
| Injuries occur | During breach | Safe room |
| Medical check | After landing | Stewart ANGB |
| Court hearing | Monday morning | NYC federal court |
The pair face US drug-conspiracy charges; both entered not-guilty pleas.
Key Takeaways
- Injuries were accidental, not from direct contact with US forces
- Flash-bangs used to disorient before entry
- Couple already in US custody and formally charged
- Defense teams flag ongoing medical concerns
The operation marks a dramatic escalation in US efforts targeting Venezuela’s leadership.
