New Delhi, Jan. 3 -- US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that American forces carried out a large-scale strike in Venezuela and flew out President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. While the claims remain unverified and have been rejected by Caracas, they have once again placed Flores under an international spotlight-highlighting her long-standing role as one of the most powerful figures within Venezuela's ruling elite.

Far from being a ceremonial first lady, Flores has been a central political actor in Venezuela's Chavista movement for more than three decades, shaping policy, personnel choices and political strategy from behind the scenes.

Born on 15 October 1956 in Tinaquillo, a small town in Venezuela's Cojedes state...