In a flagrant violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States had carried out a large-scale military operation against Venezuela, asserting that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and forcibly airlifted out of the country. Trump described the operation as “very successful,” a statement Venezuelan officials and legal experts say reflects an open endorsement of illegal aggression against a sovereign nation.
Heavy airstrikes struck Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, early Saturday, amid escalating military tensions and increased foreign pressure on the South American nation.
Local media reported powerful explosions across the city, accompanied by intense military aircraft activity. The strikes resulted in power outages in several districts of the capital. A Reuters witness separately confirmed a blackout near a major military base in southern Caracas, noting the attacks targeted multiple areas, including military installations, and disrupted power and internet services.
Reports also indicate airstrikes targeted Margarita Island in Nueva Esparta state.
Later updates confirmed strikes hit multiple strategic sites, including the Fort Tiuna military complex, La Carlota air base, and Higuerote Airport. Venezuelan media also reported explosions at La Guaira port in Vargas state, the nation’s largest seaport. Citizen-shared footage showed military transport helicopters flying over the capital.
Venezuela Condemns US Military Aggression
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has strongly rejected and condemned the strikes, describing them as a “blatant violation of the United Nations Charter.” A government statement asserted the attacks targeted both civilian and military areas in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, putting “the lives of millions at grave risk.”
Caracas accused the United States of seeking to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and warned that efforts to break the country’s political independence “will not succeed,” invoking the nation’s historical resilience against empires.
BREAKING | The US is bombing Venezuela — airstrikes are targeting Caracas, with helicopters visible in some footage.
Military bases and oil refineries are said to be among some of the targets. pic.twitter.com/CSczvug15U
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) January 3, 2026
National Mobilization Ordered
In response, President Nicolás Maduro ordered the immediate implementation of all national defense plans and activated a decree declaring a “state of external emergency” across the national territory. The government called on all social and political forces to mobilize and repudiate what it termed an “imperialist attack.”
The Bolivarian National Armed Forces, alongside the police and popular units, have been deployed to “guarantee sovereignty and peace.” Venezuela stated it would seek international recourse, filing complaints with the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, CELAC, and the Non-Aligned Movement to demand condemnation of the US
Venezuela says US forces carried out coordinated attacks on civilian and military sites in Caracas and several states, calling it a direct act of military aggression aimed at seizing the country’s oil and mineral resources.
President Nicolas Maduro declared a nationwide state… pic.twitter.com/xYTKZeM5rQ
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) January 3, 2026
The United States has not officially claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, U.S. network Fox News cited officials confirming military strikes were launched against Venezuela. CBS reported the operation was initially planned for Christmas but was postponed due to weather. Fox News also noted US aviation authorities have imposed an aerial blockade on commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace.
Regional Leaders Decry Aggression
Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to social media, stating, “Caracas is being bombed right now.” He urged an immediate meeting of the UN and the Organization of American States (OAS), warning, “Alert the world: Venezuela has been attacked!”
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel strongly condemned the attacks as “criminal U.S. aggression,” warning of “state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people” and its implications for Latin American stability.
The Colombian government expressed deep concern, rejecting any unilateral military action that risks civilian lives. It called for urgent de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions, noting precautionary measures were being implemented along the shared border.
Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)