Listen to the article
President Donald Trump has confirmed that Delta Force successfully captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a meticulously planned overnight operation. The elite U.S. Army counterterrorism unit executed the high-stakes mission with support from CIA intelligence and specialized aviation assets.
Delta Force, formally known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta, conducted the raid with their trademark precision and secrecy. Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, this highly classified unit operates under U.S. Special Operations Command and specializes in capturing or eliminating high-value targets in politically sensitive environments.
The operation began around 2 a.m. local time when residents of Caracas reported at least seven explosions and witnessed low-flying aircraft over Venezuela’s capital. The U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, nicknamed the “Night Stalkers,” transported the Delta operators into Venezuelan territory using specialized helicopters designed for covert insertions.
“They rehearsed and practiced like nobody’s ever seen,” Trump told “FOX & Friends Weekend” early Saturday. “And I was told by real military people that there’s no other country on earth that could do such a maneuver.” The president confirmed he watched the operation unfold in real time.
The mission’s success relied on a complex deployment of military assets. “The whole maneuver of the landings, the number of aircraft — which were massive — the number of helicopters, different types of helicopters, different types of fighter jets,” Trump explained. “We had a fighter jet for every possible situation.”
According to officials, the CIA provided crucial intelligence that guided Delta Force to Maduro’s location. While the intelligence agency played a vital role in tracking the Venezuelan leader, it was U.S. military special operations forces who physically executed the capture.
Trump reported that Maduro was inside a fortified residence but was apprehended before he could reach a secure area. “They just broke in and they broke into places that were not really able to be broken into,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The president noted that while there were injuries during the operation, no U.S. personnel were killed, and no aircraft were lost – a testament to the unit’s effectiveness in high-risk environments.
This operation adds to Delta Force’s storied history of high-profile missions, which includes the 2003 capture of Saddam Hussein and numerous counterterrorism operations targeting senior al-Qaeda figures throughout Afghanistan and the Middle East. Due to the secretive nature of the unit, details such as its exact size and leadership remain classified, and it is unknown how many operators participated in the Venezuela mission.
Following the capture, Maduro and his wife were taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. They are expected to be transported to the United States, where they could appear in federal court in New York City as early as Monday, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The successful operation marks a dramatic turning point in Venezuela’s political crisis. Maduro, who rose from bus driver to dictator, has maintained a tight grip on power despite international pressure, economic collapse, and widespread human rights abuses during his tenure. His removal could potentially open the door for democratic transition in the oil-rich nation that has suffered under authoritarian rule.
Images from the scene show smoke rising from Fort Tiuna, the main military garrison in Caracas, suggesting the operation targeted key military installations in addition to Maduro’s residence. The precision strike appears designed to minimize civilian casualties while achieving the strategic objective of removing Venezuela’s controversial leader.
As the situation continues to develop, questions remain about the political future of Venezuela and what charges Maduro will face when he appears in U.S. court. Regional experts are watching closely for signs of who might emerge as the country’s new leadership, with opposition figure Maria Corina Machado mentioned as a potential successor.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
6 Comments
This news raises a lot of interesting questions about the U.S. involvement in Venezuela and the broader geopolitical implications. I’m curious to see how this event shapes the future of the region and international relations.
This is a major development in the Venezuelan political crisis. Maduro’s capture could significantly alter the balance of power and open new possibilities for resolving the country’s ongoing turmoil. I wonder what the next steps will be.
While the capture of Maduro is certainly significant, I hope it doesn’t lead to further escalation or unintended consequences. Stability and a peaceful resolution should be the top priorities moving forward.
Impressive work by Delta Force. Capturing high-value targets like Maduro requires immense skill, planning, and coordination. I’m curious to learn more about the intel and aviation assets that supported this operation.
The precision and secrecy of this Delta Force operation is truly remarkable. I admire the dedication and professionalism of these elite U.S. Army counterterrorism units. Their ability to execute high-stakes missions is truly impressive.
Kudos to the Delta Force operators and their supporting assets for pulling off this mission successfully. However, I’m concerned about the potential for retaliation or backlash. Maintaining security and preventing further destabilization will be crucial.