Venezuela has been plunged into a severe national crisis after the United States launched a series of military strikes, prompting President Nicolas Maduro to declare a 'state of external disturbance'.
Explosions Rock the Capital in Early Hours
The attacks began in the early hours of January 3, 2026, with residents of the capital, Caracas, reporting at least seven explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft around 2 am local time. The strikes have caused widespread panic across the city.
Social media footage showed large plumes of smoke rising from Fort Tiuna, a major military complex in the heart of Caracas. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that the residence of Defence Minister Padrino Lopez and the Simón Bolívar International Airport were targeted in the assaults.
US Confirms Role as Maduro Accuses Trump of Resource Grab
An American official has confirmed to Reuters that the US government is responsible for the attacks. The Venezuelan government has accused Washington of hitting both civilian and military sites in multiple states.
In a fiery response, President Maduro denounced the operations, labelling them a blatant attempt by former US President Donald Trump to seize Venezuela's vast oil and mineral reserves. "This is an act of aggression to steal our resources," Maduro stated.
According to US officials speaking to CBS News, President Trump authorised the military to conduct land strikes in Venezuela several days prior, around the Christmas period. However, the action was delayed as strikes against alleged ISIS targets in Nigeria took precedence.
Ongoing Fallout and International Response
The immediate aftermath has seen significant disruption. A hangar at the targeted military base was visibly damaged and smoking, while another installation was left without power. As of the latest updates, the Pentagon and the White House have not publicly commented on the ongoing situation.
The declaration of a 'state of external disturbance' grants the Maduro government expanded powers to manage the crisis, which marks one of the most direct military confrontations between the US and Venezuela in decades. The international community is watching closely for further escalation and official statements from world capitals.
