CARACAS/WASHINGTON — January 3, 2026 — In a major escalation of tensions in the Western Hemisphere, the United States has launched targeted military airstrikes against Venezuela, with powerful explosions reported across the capital, Caracas, early Saturday morning.
The Situation on the Ground
Eyewitnesses in Caracas report a chaotic scene with low-flying aircraft, heavy smoke, and fires visible near key military infrastructure. The strikes, which occurred around 2:00 AM local time, reportedly targeted:
* Fuerte Tiuna: The country's largest and most significant military complex.
* La Carlota Airbase: Located in the heart of Caracas.
* Higuerote Airport: A strategic facility on the coast.
* Civilian/Military Zones: Impact reported in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Local residents described the night sky "turning red" from the blasts, and power outages have been reported across southern Caracas.
US Confirmation: "Operation Southern Spear"
US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have confirmed to major news outlets that President Donald Trump ordered the strikes. The operation, codenamed "Operation Southern Spear," is described by the White House as a direct effort to disrupt "narco-terrorist" networks.
* The Trump administration has accused the Maduro government of deep ties to cartels like Tren de Aragua, allegedly flooding the US with narcotics.
* Officials insist the strikes were "precision" attacks designed to destroy trafficking infrastructure while minimizing civilian casualties.
Venezuela Declares State of Emergency
President Nicolás Maduro’s administration immediately condemned the action as a "grave military aggression" and has declared a National State of Emergency.
* Official Statement: The Venezuelan government claims the true motive is US control over Venezuela's oil reserves—the largest in the world—and mineral resources.
* Mobilization: Maduro has called for a nationwide mobilization of defense forces and urged citizens to "defeat this imperialist aggression."
International Reaction
The strikes have triggered immediate diplomatic fallout across Latin America:
* Colombia: President Gustavo Petro condemned the strikes, stating on social media: "Right now they are bombing Caracas... Venezuela has been attacked." He has called for urgent meetings of the UN and the Organization of American States (OAS).
* Cuba & Iran: Both nations have issued statements denouncing the strikes as criminal violations of the UN Charter.
This marks the first known direct US military action on Venezuelan soil in decades. It follows months of rising pressure from Washington, including seizures of oil tankers and interdictions of drug-smuggling vessels at sea. As international condemnation mounts, fears of a broader regional conflict are growing.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as official statements are released by the White House.
