Sources within the United States government have reportedly informed American media that Nicolás Maduro has been apprehended by Delta Force, the most clandestine and lethal special operations unit in the U.S. Army.
The news was reported by CBS News journalist Jim LaPorta, referencing reporter Jennifer Jacobs, who stated that high-ranking officials confirmed the direct involvement of this elite unit in the operation conducted in Venezuela.
According to these sources, Delta Force executed a precise operation early Saturday morning to detain the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were reportedly "removed from the country" following a series of bombings in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Hours later, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Maduro had been "captured and taken out of Venezuela," describing the mission as "successful."
Delta Force, officially termed the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is a covert operations unit within the U.S. Army specializing in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and the capture of high-value targets.
This same unit was responsible for the 2019 mission that resulted in the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State, in Syria.
Meanwhile, in Caracas, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that the government "is unaware of President Maduro's whereabouts" and demanded "immediate proof of life" from Washington.
Rodríguez denounced the situation as "an unprecedented imperial aggression" and urged the international community to reject what she described as "a kidnapping."
Republican Senator Mike Lee stated that he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who informed him that Maduro would be transported to the United States to face federal charges.
International tensions continue to escalate. While Cuba, Iran, and Bolivia have condemned the actions, Colombia has called for urgent meetings of the United Nations and the OAS.
As of now, Washington has not released visual evidence to confirm the Venezuelan leader's capture.
Delta Force and International Reactions
What is Delta Force?
Delta Force, officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is a covert U.S. Army unit specializing in high-risk operations like counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and capturing high-value targets.
What has been the response from the international community?
Countries like Cuba, Iran, and Bolivia have condemned the action, labeling it as aggression, while Colombia has called for urgent UN and OAS meetings to discuss the situation.
Has the U.S. provided evidence of Maduro's capture?
As of now, the U.S. government has not released any visual evidence to substantiate the capture of Nicolás Maduro.