What is Delta Force, the elite unit said to have captured Nicolás Maduro in Caracas?

The operation that reportedly led to Maduro’s capture on January 3 in Caracas was carried out by U.S. Army Delta Force, CBS reported, citing American officials. Delta Force is an elite unit specializing in counterterrorism missions and the capture or neutralization of high-value targets. Its operations are typically covert and are not always officially acknowledged, even though they are directed by the U.S. government.

Delta Force, formally known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), was created in 1977 under Colonel Charles Beckwith, modeled on Britain’s SAS. It is known for highly “surgical” operations and is made up of personnel drawn from the very top tier of U.S. military units, including Army Special Forces, Rangers, Navy SEALs, and Marines. Its selection and training process is widely regarded as among the most demanding in the U.S. military.

Among Delta Force’s most high-profile missions was the 2019 operation in Syria that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The unit has conducted numerous missions across the Middle East and the Arab world, many of which have never been made public. It has also been reported to have provided tactical support in operations targeting Mexican drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

A “surgical” capture of Venezuela’s president

Maduro’s capture is reported to have taken place around 2:00 a.m. local time. The United States carried out strategic airstrikes on Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota air base. The working theory is that, while those strikes were underway and taking advantage of their deterrent effect, Delta Force operators infiltrated the upper levels of the government, catching the Bolivarian National Guard unawares and unable to respond. That would have allowed Delta Force to remove Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from the country.

“It took a lot of planning and a lot of very good people and very good military,” Donald Trump said, without disclosing where Maduro had been taken after reportedly being extracted by the elite unit.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.