Elite Delta Force Unit Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Bold U.S. Operation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a daring overnight operation that has sent shockwaves through international circles, the elite U.S. Army unit known as Delta Force successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas. President Donald Trump confirmed that the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta, commonly referred to as Delta Force, led the high-risk raid that unfolded in the early hours of January 4, 2026.
Delta Force, operating under the U.S. Special Operations Command, is renowned for its precision and secrecy in missions involving the capture or elimination of high-value targets. Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the unit has a storied history, including the 2003 capture of Saddam Hussein and numerous counterterrorism operations targeting senior al-Qaeda leaders in the Middle East. The unit’s involvement in the Maduro operation underscores the political and strategic significance the U.S. government places on the mission.
According to officials, the raid was supported by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalkers,” who flew the special operations forces into Venezuela. Witnesses in Caracas reported hearing at least seven explosions and seeing low-flying aircraft around 2 a.m. local time, signaling the intensity of the operation. The Central Intelligence Agency played a crucial role in providing intelligence that guided Delta Force to Maduro’s location, although the physical capture was executed solely by military special operations forces.
President Trump, speaking on Fox News, praised the operation as a “stunning military success” and emphasized the importance of the mission in combating narcoterrorism and restoring stability to Venezuela. The former bus driver turned dictator had long been a target of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies, accused of drug trafficking and weapons violations. His capture marks a significant moment in American foreign policy and counterterrorism efforts.
The operation’s success was also hailed by members of Congress. Representative Nancy Mace described the capture as “surgical” and not an act of war, while Representative Dan Crenshaw applauded the “bold action” taken by the Trump administration. The arraignment of Maduro on drug and weapons charges is expected to take place at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he was flown via helicopter following the raid.
The secrecy surrounding Delta Force’s leadership and the exact number of operatives involved remains intact, consistent with the unit’s classified nature. However, the operation’s complexity and precision reflect the extensive training and capabilities of the unit, which has been involved in some of the most consequential U.S. military missions in recent decades. The U.S. Army Special Forces continue to play a vital role in national security, often operating in the shadows to execute missions with significant geopolitical impact.
As Venezuela faces the aftermath of Maduro’s removal, political analysts are watching closely to see how the power vacuum will be filled. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has emerged as a potential successor, signaling possible shifts in the country’s political landscape. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has indicated its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and continued pressure on regimes it deems threatening.
This operation highlights the intersection of military precision, intelligence collaboration, and diplomatic strategy. The Department of Defense and intelligence agencies will likely continue to monitor the situation closely, underscoring the ongoing challenges in Latin America and the global fight against narcoterrorism.
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