Photo: Clash Report
The United States has carried out a series of strikes on Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, triggering explosions across the city. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has declared a state of emergency in response.
Explosions and smoke over Caracas
Early Saturday, January 3, residents of Caracas reported multiple explosions, low-flying aircraft, and columns of smoke rising over the city. According to preliminary information, parts of southern Caracas — including areas near a major military base — were left without electricity.
Local residents and media reported at least seven explosions. The Associated Press noted that low-flying aircraft were observed over the capital around 2:00 a.m. local time.
Initial damage reports
Venezuelan media claim that U.S. strikes hit several high-profile targets, including the National Assembly building and the residence of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. Other reported targets include southern districts of Caracas, notably Fort Tiuna and the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base.
In total, at least ten sites in the capital may have been struck.
Additional reports indicate strikes on the La Guaira naval base in Vargas state, home to the national naval academy. Explosions were also reported near the Port of Caracas and on Margarita Island in the Caribbean, where significant military infrastructure is located.
Trump’s previous statements on Venezuela
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Washington is prepared to use force against Venezuela, including the possibility of a ground operation aimed at removing President Maduro from power.
The U.S. has considered expanding sanctions, increasing its military presence in the region, and striking vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific.
U.S. reaction and media reports
According to CBS News, U.S. authorities are aware of reports regarding explosions and aircraft activity over Caracas. However, the White House has not issued an official statement, and the Pentagon said it currently has no comment.
CBS News journalists reported that Trump allegedly authorized strikes on Venezuelan military targets, though no official confirmation was initially provided. Later, Fox News, citing U.S. officials, reported that American forces were conducting strikes in Venezuela. No formal announcement has yet been made by U.S. authorities.
The United States has meanwhile urged its citizens not to travel to Venezuela.
Airspace restrictions
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) banning all U.S. aircraft from operating at any altitude within Venezuelan airspace. The notice was published at 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday.
Venezuela declares emergency
Venezuela has formally accused the United States of military aggression and declared a state of emergency. Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto said both civilian and military sites were hit in Caracas, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
President Maduro announced a “foreign emergency,” ordered the activation of the Comprehensive Defense Command, and initiated a national defense plan. Caracas said it would appeal to the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, and regional organizations, while reserving the right to self-defense.
Background of the U.S.–Venezuela conflict
On December 16, President Trump announced a strict blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan waters, aiming to cut off the Maduro government’s primary source of revenue.
In recent weeks, U.S. forces have intercepted two oil tankers, while another vessel under pursuit fled Venezuelan waters into the Atlantic. The U.S. Treasury has also imposed sanctions on individuals and companies linked to Iran and Venezuela, accused of illegal arms trading, as well as on several Venezuelan oil firms and tankers.
Trump has designated the Maduro government a foreign terrorist organization, accusing it of narcotrafficking, and has not ruled out direct U.S. military action. He previously stated that U.S. forces struck facilities allegedly used for drug trafficking operations.
