Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were reportedly captured and flown out of the country by the US forces following large-scale attacks on the South American nation’s capital Caracas.
The attacks, which came in the backdrop of increased US military presence in the region due to narco-terrorism allegations on Maduro, were reportedly carried out by US special military unit Delta Force.
Here’s what we know about the unit –
What is the Delta Force?
The Delta Force is an elite unit of the US Army. It previously carried out the 2019 operation that resulted in the death of former Islamic State terrorist group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Delta Force, officially designated as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (1st SFOD-D), is one of the United States’ premier special mission units with a primary focus on counterterrorism, the Military.com reported.
The capture was part of a major military escalation known as “Operation Southern Spear,” which included large-scale airstrikes at key military complexes such as Fuerte Tiuna in the capital city.
The unit executes high-risk counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action raids, and special reconnaissance missions, often targeting high-value individuals on presidential orders, according to greydynamics.com
Operators deploy in small teams for global, rapid-response operations, frequently partnering with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment for air support and the 75th Ranger Regiment for perimeter security.
Founding and structure
Established in 1977 by Colonel Charles Beckwith, modelled after the British SAS, Delta draws personnel primarily from Army Rangers and Special Forces through an gruelling, secretive selection process testing physical endurance, marksmanship, and close-quarters combat skills.
It organises into squadrons: A through D for assault, E for aviation support, G for clandestine reconnaissance, and others for intelligence and signals.
The unit’s early history was shaped by the failed 1980 Iran hostage rescue mission, in which aviation equipment and operator errors led to the deaths of eight U.S. service members.
In the aftermath, the US military established the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment to provide dedicated aviation support for special operations missions.
Where is Nicolas Maduro now?
Maduro, who was previously indicted in an American court in 2020 for alleged narco-terrorism and corruption, may stand trial in the US, according to a Republican Senator. The US government had placed a $50 million bounty on him prior to this military action.
