Venezuela’s government accuses US of attacking civilian, military installations in multiple states
At least seven explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft were reported around 2 a.m. local time Saturday in Caracas, Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government accused the United States of launching attacks on civilian and military sites across several states, including Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
The Pentagon and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but a CBS News reporter on X reported that U.S. officials said President Donald Trump had ordered the strikes. Eyewitnesses described explosions at multiple military locations in Caracas, including La Carlota airfield and the main base at Fuerte Tiuna.
In a statement, the Venezuelan government condemned the attacks, saying they represented a “grave military aggression” by the United States and accused Washington of attempting to seize the country’s strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals. The statement also urged the nation’s social and political forces to mobilize.
President Nicolás Maduro signed a decree declaring a “State of External Disturbance,” and residents in several neighborhoods took to the streets amid the chaos.
“The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes,” said Carmen Hidalgo, 21, as she hurried home with relatives after a birthday celebration. Smoke was visible rising from a military hangar in Caracas, and another base experienced a power outage.
The attacks follow months of U.S. threats against Venezuelan targets. The U.S. military has been striking boats suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since September. On Friday, Venezuela expressed willingness to negotiate with the U.S. on anti-drug efforts, while Maduro accused Washington of seeking to force a government change and gain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves.
BREAKING: Trump administration officials are aware of reports of explosions and aircraft over Venezuela’s capital Caracas early this morning, sources tell @CBSNews. No official comment yet.
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 3, 2026
Last week, the CIA reportedly carried out a drone strike on a docking area believed to be used by Venezuelan drug cartels—the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the boat strikes began. According to the Trump administration, at least 35 boats have been targeted and 115 people killed. President Trump has justified the strikes as necessary to curb drug trafficking and described the actions as part of an “armed conflict” with cartels.
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