Caracas rocked by explosions; US military launches operation
At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported over Caracas early Jan 3, 2026 amid escalating US pressure on Venezuela
Caracas in crisis: at least seven explosions and the sound of fighter jets flying low across Venezuela’s capital, after Donald Trump escalated pressure and declared that the US military has begun striking land targets for the first time.
Witnesses at the scene and foreign media reported the same thing: at about 2.00am local time on Saturday, January 3, 2026, there were loud explosion sounds at least seven times in Caracas, Venezuela, together with the roar of fighter aircraft flying at low altitude across the sky. Light from the explosions and thick smoke could be clearly seen in the southern area of the city, which is the location of an important military base. There were also reports of widespread power outages and frightened people running out into the streets.
“Trump” escalates the drug war into an overthrow operation
This incident happened after US President Donald Trump announced an escalation of decisive measures against the government of Nicolás Maduro. Trump stated that Venezuela’s government is a “transnational terrorist organisation” that sends drugs to attack America. Previously, the United States sent an aircraft carrier and a large naval fleet to deploy in the Caribbean Sea, and announced a “blockade” of all oil exports from Venezuela.
Sequence of tensions
- Naval operation: The United States attacked ships that it claimed were linked to drugs, more than 35 vessels, with at least 115 deaths.
- Land attack: Last week, Trump admitted the United States had “bombed” a port used to transport drugs, which was the first time the US military (or the CIA) launched an operation on Venezuelan soil.
- White House ultimatum: Trump said on Monday that it would be “smarter” if Maduro stepped down peacefully; otherwise, he should prepare to face ground operations that the United States is ready for.
Maduro insists he is ready to talk, amid opposition from major powers
President Nicolás Maduro gave an interview only a few hours before the incident, saying Venezuela is ready to open talks with the United States on anti-drug operations and oil, but insisted he would not bow to pressure to change the power bloc. Meanwhile, major powers such as China and Russia voiced opposition to an invasion of Venezuela’s sovereignty and called on the United Nations to intervene urgently.
