According to CBS News, the operation was carried out by Delta Force, the leading special operations unit of the U.S. Armed Forces.
What is Delta Force?
Founded in 1977 and headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Delta Force is one of the most elite and secretive military units in the world.
It operates as part of the United States Army Special Operations Command and is subordinate to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
It is also known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D).
Its structure is modeled after the British SAS (22nd Special Air Service Regiment), which inspired the founder of Delta, Colonel Charles Beckwith.
Given the seriousness and secrecy of its work, there have been rumors that it has gone by various names, such as Army Compartment Elements (ACE), Combat Applications Group (CAG), or Delta.
Main Mission of Delta Force
The unit specializes in carrying out complex and critical missions, primarily focusing on counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue, neutralization and capture of terrorist threats, and special reconnaissance.
The unit is also trained in personal protection for high-ranking officials and conducting unconventional warfare, with specialists in sniper shooting, close combat, explosives handling, and covert entry methods.
They are trained to conduct operations on aircraft, trains, ships, and vehicles, allowing them to intervene and take control of any situation in any environment.
Structure of Delta Force
The Delta Force unit is divided into four main squadrons, each consisting of three detachments: a reconnaissance-sniper detachment that focuses on gathering intelligence and sniper operations, and two direct action/assault detachments specializing in target attacks, raids, and high-risk operations.
Operations of Delta Force
Most operations conducted by Delta Force are classified, and only a few have become known to the public.
Among the known operations of Delta Force are Operation Prime Chance, the hunt for Bin Laden in 2001, an airstrike in Baghdad, hostage rescue in Iraq, Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia, Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, and the raid on ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Who Can Join Delta Force?
Delta Force recruits only the most capable and determined individuals.
Typically, soldiers from the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and the 75th Ranger Regiment are recruited into this organization. The selection process takes three to four weeks.
Due to the extremely rigorous selection process, only a very small percentage of candidates pass.
Physical tests include a night march of 28 km with a 15 kg backpack or a night march of 40 km over rugged and steep terrain with a 20 kg backpack, as well as a swimming test in military uniform.
Extensive psychological evaluations and interviews are also conducted to assess stress resilience and character.
Individuals who successfully pass these tests enter a six-month Operator Training Course (OTC) to become elite specialists ready to undertake the most dangerous missions in the world.
