Viral Photo Shows Maduro After Arrest: Did US Delta Force Detain Venezuela’s President?

Shockwaves reverberated throughout Latin America early Saturday following reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been apprehended during a US military operation. This development came in the wake of dramatic remarks from US President Donald Trump, who stated that American forces had executed a "large-scale strike" and seized Venezuela’s leader.

While Venezuelan officials have not commented, US media reports and Trump’s own statements have identified one elite American unit as central to the ongoing crisis — Delta Force. This incident represents a potential inflection point in US-Venezuela relations and raises significant concerns regarding sovereignty, escalation, and regime change.

First Image of Maduro Released Following Arrest

An image circulating on social media seemingly depicts Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro being detained by US military personnel, as reported by APA. This image emerges amidst assertions by President Donald Trump that Maduro and his spouse were captured and transported out of Venezuela.

This situation has garnered extensive attention and prompted inquiries about its implications for the region.

Was Nicolas Maduro Apprehended by US Forces?

As per American media outlet CBS, Maduro was taken into custody early Saturday by members of Delta Force, the elite special operations unit of the US military. The report referenced unnamed US officials but did not provide operational specifics.

Shortly thereafter, Donald Trump appeared to validate the reports on social media. In a post on Truth Social, he stated that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out of the country."

"The United States of America has successfully executed a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader," Trump wrote. He also mentioned that US law enforcement agencies were involved, although he did not clarify which agencies or the manner in which the operation transpired. 

What Is Delta Force and Why Is It Significant?

Delta Force, officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (1st SFOD-D), ranks among the most clandestine units within the US military. Established in 1977, this unit specializes in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and high-risk capture or kill operations. It functions under the Joint Special Operations Command and collaborates closely with the CIA.

Delta Force was previously responsible for the 2019 operation that resulted in the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Its involvement typically indicates a mission aimed at high-value targets. The unit recruits seasoned soldiers from elite Army units, including Rangers and Special Forces. Missions are classified, and the Pentagon seldom acknowledges its deployments.

Why Is Nicolas Maduro a Target for the US?

Maduro has been a prominent adversary of the US for several years. In 2020, an American court indicted him on charges related to narco-terrorism. US authorities have accused him of collaborating with drug trafficking organizations and utilizing cocaine shipments as a weapon against the United States.

Washington has also charged Maduro with undermining democracy, suppressing political opposition, and aligning with US adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran. Sanctions and diplomatic efforts have not succeeded in ousting him from power, prompting many analysts to view recent military actions as a significant escalation.

What Remarks Did Trump Make Regarding the Operation?

Trump’s public statements have intensified the uncertainty surrounding the situation. In addition to asserting that Maduro would be captured, he confirmed US military operations within Venezuela. “This operation was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement,” Trump stated, promising to provide further details during a press conference in Florida later.

This statement implies coordination that extends beyond military efforts, suggesting plans for arrests, extradition, or prosecution.

If confirmed, Maduro’s arrest would represent the most significant US intervention in the history of Venezuela. This could lead to internal turmoil, military defections, or widespread protests. The international community has already begun to respond. Numerous governments have cautioned that the operation may breach international law and exacerbate regional instability.

Within Venezuela, uncertainty continues to be prevalent. The power dynamics are heavily reliant on military allegiance. A sudden absence of leadership could dramatically alter the political landscape of the country in a matter of hours.

Why This Could Alter US Foreign Policy

Beyond the situation in Venezuela, this operation indicates a more extensive transformation in US strategy. Instead of depending solely on sanctions, Washington seems prepared to employ direct military action against adversarial leaders.

Proponents argue that this strategy reinstates deterrence. Detractors caution that it could provoke a global backlash and establish a perilous precedent. As more information comes to light, one fact remains evident: the reported Delta Force operation has escalated US-Venezuela tensions into unprecedented territory.