WASHINGTON, January 7, 2026 – Trump administration officials briefed U.S. lawmakers on Monday, revealing that former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, sustained head injuries while attempting to flee American forces during their arrest in "Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3.
According to sources familiar with the classified briefing, Maduro and Flores ran inside their compound in Caracas and tried to hide behind a heavy steel door with a low frame. Both reportedly struck their heads in the process. U.S. Delta Force operators apprehended them shortly after and provided first aid before extraction.
The couple appeared in federal court in New York on January 5 with visible injuries. Flores' attorney informed the judge that she had suffered "significant injuries" during the operation, possibly including a rib fracture or severe bruising, and requested an X-ray and full medical evaluation. Courtroom observers noted Flores swaying and lowering her head periodically, while Maduro appeared to struggle with sitting and standing. Sketches depicted Flores with bandages on her head, though administration officials described her head injury as minor.
Several U.S. Delta Force operators also sustained non-life-threatening injuries from bullets and shrapnel during an intense firefight with a Cuban quick reaction force near the compound. All are expected to recover fully. Nearly 200 U.S. personnel participated in the ground operation in Caracas.
Officials lacked a precise count of Venezuelan or Cuban casualties but noted Cuba's government reported 32 military and police officers killed. U.S. sources suggested the total could be higher, characterizing the engagement as sustained and heavy.
The briefing emphasized that the capture was not a regime-change effort. Venezuela's government structure remains intact under acting President Delcy Rodríguez, whom officials described as more pragmatic and workable compared to Maduro. They noted opposition figures like María Corina Machado would likely struggle to control security forces.
A classified intelligence assessment informed the administration's approach, focusing on short-term implications rather than broader collapse. Officials revealed months of contacts with Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez (president of Venezuela's National Assembly), aimed at influencing behavior, not orchestrating removal.
As Venezuela's oil minister, Rodríguez is expected to cooperate on rebuilding infrastructure, potentially allowing U.S. companies access. No formal agreement exists, but officials anticipate leverage from naval presence and pressure will encourage compliance.
Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges during their arraignment. Maduro called himself a "prisoner of war" and insisted he remains Venezuela's president.
The operation involved airstrikes on northern Venezuelan targets and a raid on the presidential residence. No U.S. fatalities occurred. The Trump administration frames it as enforcing justice on an indicted leader while securing energy interests amid Venezuela's vast reserves.
International condemnation persists, with debates over sovereignty and legality. Domestically, reactions split along partisan lines, with Republicans praising decisiveness and Democrats questioning authorization and long-term plans.
As Rodríguez navigates leadership, signaling willingness to collaborate while demanding Maduro's release, the situation remains fluid. U.S. officials monitor for stability, emphasizing pragmatic engagement over upheaval.
This briefing provides rare insight into the raid's execution and post-capture strategy, highlighting calculated risks and ongoing diplomatic maneuvering in a pivotal hemispheric shift.
