US strikes Venezuela: Why did Trump arrest Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores?

Flores detained to block Maduro support

In a military operation described as “unprecedented” in modern history, the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro along with his wife, Cilia Flores, a senior political figure viewed as central to Maduro’s administration. While Maduro faces prosecution in New York, the detention of Flores — often called the “First Combatant” — highlights a calculated US strategy to prevent a political resurgence in Caracas.

Flores: The brain behind Maduro

Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev told ANI that Flores’ arrest was deliberate, aimed at preventing her from mobilising support for her husband within Venezuela.

“Maduro will face the charges in New York. His wife has also been captured. The reason for abducting his wife is that Maduro's wife is also a member of the Venezuelan parliament. She is a brilliant, smart lady, and it is said that she is the brain behind Maduro. So America did not want to leave her in Venezuela because then she would have mobilised and rallied support for Maduro politically. They have also charged her with similar drug trafficking charges. So they abducted both of them and now in New York the case will be run against them,” Sachdev said.

By removing Flores, the US aimed to prevent her from acting as a surrogate leader who could galvanize the populace or military in Maduro’s absence.

Legal charges and the law enforcement framing

The Trump administration has framed the operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, as a law-enforcement action rather than a military strike. This distinction allowed the White House to bypass the usual requirement for congressional approval.

“Secondly, Trump is positioning this not as a military attack on Venezuela. He is positioning it as law enforcement of America going to a country and capturing a criminal. That is why, along with the military, they also had officials from law enforcement. The reason is that for Trump to attack a country, it is actually necessary for the US Congress to approve. In this case, he has not taken any approval from the US Congress because he is positioning it as a step by the law enforcement agencies to go and bring back a criminal drug trafficker,” Sachdev explained to ANI.

Like her husband, Flores faces accusations of involvement in drug trafficking. Maduro is charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States.

Operation a ‘spectacular success’

Sachdev described the raid as unprecedented and flawlessly executed.

“America's attack on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro is something unprecedented. It has never ever happened before. The kind of military operation carried out by America. On the military side, no doubt it was a spectacular success executed flawlessly,” he said.

The couple is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. US officials have argued that Maduro’s government operated as a “criminal enterprise” destabilising the Western Hemisphere.

Strategic goals and international reactions

The US has announced plans to “run” Venezuela temporarily, citing national security concerns, the migration crisis, and the need to secure the country’s oil reserves. Experts say the capture of Flores is the most telling indication that Washington aims to dismantle the Chavismo political machinery entirely.

The operation has sparked international debate. Russia and China condemned the US action, while the United Nations Security Council is expected to discuss the situation. Since 2005, successive US administrations have imposed sanctions on Venezuela, including its oil sector, citing drug trafficking, terrorism, and human rights abuses, according to CBS News.