Delta Force: Inside the elite, secretive US unit behind Maduro’s capture
The US has executed a high-stakes military operation in Venezuela, with President Donald Trump confirming that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the country. Explosions were reported in Caracas and other regions, suggesting targeted attacks on key locations. CBS News reported that the mission was carried out by Delta Force, the US military’s premier special operations unit.
What Is Delta Force?
Founded in 1977 and headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Delta Force is among the world’s most elite and secretive military units. Officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (1st SFOD-D), it operates under the US Army Special Operations Command and reports directly to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
Delta Force was inspired by the British SAS (Special Air Service) and was created by Colonel Charles Beckwith to conduct high-risk missions beyond the capacity of conventional forces. Due to its secretive nature, the unit has operated under various names, including Army Compartmented Elements (ACE) and Combat Applications Group (CAG).
Core Missions of Delta Force
The unit specializes in high-value, high-risk missions, including:
Counter-terrorism operations
Hostage rescues
Capture or elimination of terrorist threats
Special reconnaissance and intelligence gathering
Operators are also trained in close protection for high-profile individuals and unconventional warfare, including sniping, explosives, close-quarters combat, and covert infiltration. Their skills allow them to operate effectively on aircraft, ships, trains, vehicles, and urban environments, handling any scenario.
Structure of Delta Force
Delta Force is organized into four main squadrons, each divided into three troops:
Recce/Sniper Troop: Handles intelligence gathering and sniper operations
Two Direct Action/Assault Troops: Conduct raids, direct attacks, and high-risk missions
This structure ensures specialized focus while maintaining flexibility for complex operations.
Famous Delta Force Operations
While most Delta Force missions remain classified, some notable operations have been publicly reported:
Operation Prime Chance
2001 Hunt for Osama Bin Laden
Raid on Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
Operation Gothic Serpent, Somalia
Iraq Hostage Rescue
Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada
Who Can Join Delta Force?
Delta Force selects only the most capable and determined soldiers, usually from the US Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and the 75th Ranger Regiment.
The selection process lasts 3–4 weeks and is extremely grueling:
Timed 18-mile night march carrying a 35-pound rucksack
Timed 40-mile march over rough terrain with a 45-pound rucksack
Successful candidates then undergo the six-month Operators Training Course (OTC), which equips them to handle the most dangerous missions in the world. Only a tiny fraction of applicants complete the process.
