The first images purportedly showing the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have surfaced online.

However, there has been no official confirmation of the authenticity of these images.

According to BBC News, it is claimed that the United States deployed a Delta Force unit to the center of the Venezuelan capital and removed the sitting president from the country along with his wife.

These actions, media reports say, are unprecedented in historical terms.

The closest comparison would be the capture of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, also carried out by special forces, in 1989. Both men had recently declared victory in disputed elections, both were accused by the United States of involvement in drug trafficking, and both cases were preceded by a significant buildup of U.S. military power.

However, Noriega’s arrest followed a short but decisive war between the two countries, in which Panamanian forces were swiftly defeated. He sought refuge in the Vatican embassy, where he remained for 11 days. Eventually, Noriega was persuaded to surrender.

He was subsequently taken to the United States, where he was convicted on drug-related charges.