A video released on 4/1 showed Cilia Flores, huddled in a green hoodie with her hands cuffed in front of her chest, being escorted by US agents at Stewart National Guard Air Base, north of New York City, the previous day.
Flores appeared tired and sullen, showing no gestures or expressions as she moved through the security area. In contrast, President Nicolas Maduro limped, repeatedly offering "good evening" and "happy new year" to those nearby.
Cilia Flores and Nicolas Maduro leaving Stewart Base in New York on 3/1. *Video: APT*
These images mark Flores' first public appearance in US media since the Venezuelan presidential couple's arrest during a raid initiated by Washington in the early hours of 3/1. The couple will face weapons and drug charges in a Manhattan federal court this week.
Before her marriage to Maduro, Flores served as president of the National Assembly and was a key figure in Venezuela, a nation of 31 million. As first lady, she went beyond typical ceremonial duties, directly advising her husband on legal and political issues.
The US military launched "Absolute Resolve" in the early hours of 3/1. Approximately 150 aircraft, deployed from 20 bases, struck multiple targets across Venezuela. This cleared the way for helicopter squadrons carrying US special forces and law enforcement personnel to enter the capital, Caracas, to execute Maduro's arrest warrant.
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine stated that US special forces reached Maduro's location shortly after 2h. They faced resistance from his security detail before apprehending Maduro and his wife, then withdrew from Venezuela around 4h30.
By Vu Hoang (NY Post, AFP, Reuters)
