Insight from a Delta Force Veteran on the Capture of Maduro

A former Delta Force member has shared valuable insights about the U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. He noted that the most challenging aspect of the mission occurred even before the team reached their target.

“I think, perhaps, the hardest part is eliminating air defenses and getting the soldiers on the ground,” said John McPhee, a veteran of the Army’s elite special operations unit, during an interview on “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He explained that once the team is on the ground, they’re generally able to handle everything. But getting there? That’s where the real fight begins.

McPhee emphasized the extensive preparation involved in executing an operation of this magnitude. “Planning and organizing something like this can take months,” he remarked, adding that once everything is set, there’s virtually no stopping the operators.

During the raid, a U.S. Army helicopter from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the “Night Stalker,” assisted the special operations forces as they maneuvered into Venezuelan territory. Reports indicated that several explosions were heard during the operation, with an aircraft noticed flying low over Caracas around 2 a.m. local time.

It was revealed that the CIA provided intelligence that guided Delta Force to the Maduros, but President Trump claimed that the couple was detained during a military operation.

Despite the complexity involved, McPhee expressed his confidence in the military’s planning for any potential scenario. “Every detail was meticulously reviewed. No small aspect could derail the mission,” he remarked.

He also highlighted the advanced capabilities of the U.S. military, suggesting it operates ground forces in a way that has never been seen before. “They train for this their entire lives, focusing on specific missions,” he stated. Remarkably, no Americans lost their lives during the operation, a success that President Trump commended.