Overview
- Both defendants entered not guilty pleas to charges that include narcoterrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and possession of destructive devices stemming from a 2020 indictment.
- U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled the next court appearance for March 17, and the pair remain in federal custody with no bail granted to date.
- Defense lawyer Barry Pollack said he will challenge the legality of the capture as a “military kidnapping” and assert head‑of‑state immunity, and the defendants requested consular access.
- Attorneys reported health concerns for both, with visible bandages on Cilia Flores and a possible rib injury, and unspecified medical issues for Nicolás Maduro.
- Venezuelan authorities reported casualties from the U.S. strikes, including a claim that 32 Cuban personnel were killed, local residents described an 80‑year‑old civilian death in La Guaira, and Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president.