Caracas, Venezuela—In the early hours of January 3, 2026, the Venezuelan capital was rocked by a series of violent explosions, marking the onset of a dramatic and unprecedented military intervention by the United States. The events, which unfolded around 2 a.m. local time, sent shockwaves through Caracas and reverberated across the international community, as the fate of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his government was suddenly thrown into uncertainty.
According to initial reports from BNO News, residents across several districts of Caracas were jolted awake by the sounds of multiple blasts and the unmistakable roar of aircraft overhead. Video footage and photographs rapidly circulated on social media, depicting columns of smoke rising from various points in the city—a scene described by witnesses as reminiscent of thunder rolling across the midnight sky. The authenticity of these images could not be independently verified, but the panic and confusion on the ground were palpable.
As dawn broke, the world learned the cause behind the chaos. U.S. President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth, to announce that the United States had launched a large-scale attack against Venezuela, targeting its leadership and military infrastructure. In a stunning revelation, Trump declared that "the United States has successfully carried out an operation against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro." He further claimed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and removed from the country, though their exact whereabouts remained unknown. Trump promised to provide more details at a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m. local time at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, as reported by El País.
Details about the military operation began to emerge through a blend of official statements, media reports, and eyewitness accounts. CBS reported that the elite U.S. Delta Force—the nation’s premier special operations unit—had been responsible for the capture of Maduro. The operation was swift and decisive, following months of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. For weeks, President Trump had issued warnings of possible military action, initially citing the fight against drug trafficking and later referencing Washington’s interest in regaining control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The attacks were not limited to a single location. According to El País, the main military base in Caracas, Fuerte Tiuna, was hit hard, losing all power and suffering a significant fire that could be seen from miles away. Other military installations, including the La Carlota airbase and the Cuartel de la Montaña (the resting place of former president Hugo Chávez), were also targeted. Further strikes were confirmed in Maracay, La Guaira, and at the Higuerote airport along the central coast. Throughout the night, helicopters were observed circling above the city, adding to the sense of siege and uncertainty.
The Venezuelan government’s response was swift and defiant. On the state-run channel VTV, officials read out a declaration of a state of exception due to external commotion—a contingency plan reportedly in place since October. The government called on the nation to mobilize for "armed resistance" against what it described as "imperialist aggression." A statement released by Maduro’s administration accused the United States of seeking to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and attempting to "break the political independence of the nation by force." The statement added, "The attempt to impose a colonial war to destroy the republican form of government and force regime change, in alliance with the fascist oligarchy, will fail as all previous attempts have."
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López publicly condemned the attack as the "most criminal" and ordered a full military deployment. He sought to reassure the public, stating, "We have been attacked, but we will not be broken," and urged calm and serenity as the government worked to assess casualties and damage. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for Maduro and his wife from U.S. authorities, reflecting widespread uncertainty about the fate of the country’s top leaders. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced a nationwide security deployment to "guarantee peace" and called on citizens to "remain calm and not fall into despair in light of recent events."
The scope of the U.S. offensive extended beyond Caracas, reaching the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, according to Venezuelan officials. The government’s call for armed resistance was echoed by supporters across the country, even as the population grappled with fear and confusion. The situation was further complicated by a regional ripple effect, as neighboring countries and international leaders weighed in.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro was among the first foreign leaders to respond, expressing "deep concern" over the attacks and denouncing "any unilateral military action that could escalate the situation or endanger civilians." The Colombian government activated humanitarian response measures in the border city of Cúcuta, preparing for potential waves of migrants and displaced persons. Colombia’s Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the activation of a Unified Command Post to coordinate humanitarian aid and border security. Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali also announced the implementation of a security plan, underscoring the growing unease in the region.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. action as a "criminal attack" and called for an urgent international response. "Our zone of peace is being brutally assaulted. State terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and against Our America. Homeland or death! We shall overcome!" he declared on social media. These reactions highlighted the deep divisions and high stakes surrounding the intervention, with some leaders warning of a dangerous precedent and others preparing for humanitarian fallout.
Meanwhile, the international community remained on edge, awaiting further details from the White House and the Venezuelan government. As of the latest updates, the United States had not officially confirmed the full scope of its military operation, and the fate of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores remained a mystery. The streets of Caracas, once bustling with daily life, were now marked by uncertainty, military presence, and the lingering smoke of a night that will not soon be forgotten.
In a region long fraught with political turmoil, resource struggles, and foreign intervention, the events of January 3, 2026, mark a dramatic turning point. The world watches closely as Venezuela, its neighbors, and the broader international community grapple with the consequences of a bold and risky gamble—one that could reshape the future of South America for years to come.
