Cilia Flores described as the political force behind Maduro

Cilia Flores and Nicolás Maduro were captured by US special forces and are being held in New York facing US criminal charges; reporting describes Flores as having held significant political influence in Venezuela.

Cilia Flores and Nicolás Maduro were captured by US special forces and appeared at a first court hearing in New York. At that hearing Flores pleaded not guilty. She and Maduro face US charges and are being held in a New York jail. Known details: - Officials say US forces captured Flores and Maduro and both have pleaded not guilty at an initial court appearance. - Prosecutors in the indictment describe charges that they characterise as narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. - Reporting describes Flores as a longstanding political actor who held influence over judicial appointments and government staffing, and who served as president of the national assembly in 2006. - The indictment alleges she accepted bribes to broker meetings linked to trafficking allegations and cites an episode involving two nephews who were later convicted in the United States. Summary: Flores is portrayed in reporting as a central figure within the Maduro administration with notable influence over personnel and judicial matters. She and Maduro are detained in New York and face criminal charges brought by US prosecutors. Undetermined at this time.