The Delta Force was established in 1977 by Colonel Charles Beckwith and was modeled after the British Special Air Service. (Photo: Reuters)
US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation that sent shockwaves across the world was reportedly carried out by the Delta Force, a US military top special mission unit.
Venezuelan President Nicolas, accompanied by first lady Cilia Flores, waves to supporters during a Student Day event at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
What is Delta Force?
Delta Force, officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is the US Army’s premier Tier-1 special mission unit.
The Delta Force was established in 1977 by Colonel Charles Beckwith and was modelled after the British Special Air Service. It was founded as a dedicated counterterrorism unit due to a string of high-profile terrorist incidents in the 70s.
The Delta Force is based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina and operates under the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
The Delta Force was established in 1977 by Colonel Charles Beckwith. (Photo: Reuters/ File)
The Delta Force has been tasked with counterterrorism operations, hostage rescue, direct-action raids, and special reconnaissance against high-value targets.
One of the first operations undertaken by the Delta Force was the 1979 failed rescue of 52 American hostages from Iran, following the Islamic Revolution.
Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi making his first public appearance at a mosque in the centre of Iraq’s second city, Mosul on July 5, 2014. (Photo: Reuters)
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The Delta Force was established in 1977 by Colonel Charles Beckwith and was modeled after the British Special Air Service. (Photo: Reuters) 
