Translated with AI
On the night of January 3, 2026, a series of explosions rocked Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. International and regional media reported the incident, citing AP, Reuters, CNN, and DW, as well as eyewitness reports.
According to news agencies, at least six or seven incoming strikes were recorded in Caracas. Low-flying aircraft and military helicopters were observed over the city, and active air traffic was observed. A power outage occurred in the southern part of the capital, near a major military base. One of the explosions, according to a CNN correspondent, was so powerful that it shook windows in residential areas, causing residents in several neighborhoods to run out into the streets.
The strikes reportedly targeted the Fort Tiuna military base , which houses the headquarters of the Venezuelan Ministry of Defense and the Venezuelan Army Command, as well as the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda (La Carlota) Air Base in Caracas. Smoke plumes were seen in the La Carlota area, and witnesses reported secondary detonations and gunfire.
Venezuelan media outlets Efecto Cocuyo and Tal Cual Digital reported that explosions were heard not only in the capital but also in other areas of the country, including La Guaira on the coast and towns in the states of Miranda and Aragua . Separate reports indicated a possible strike on Margarita Island in the Caribbean, home to military installations.
According to Reuters, American ground forces may have landed in Caracas, but there is currently no official confirmation of this information. Sky News Arabia reported that the home of the Venezuelan Defense Minister was allegedly hit. Several media outlets claim that Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez may have died as a result of the strike, but this information has not been officially confirmed.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared a " military attack on Venezuela " and called on the international community, as well as the United Nations and the Organization of American States , to urgently respond to what is happening.
CBS News journalist Jennifer Jacobs reported that officials in the Trump administration are aware of reports of explosions and aircraft flying over Caracas. According to CBS News, Trump allegedly ordered strikes on military targets in Venezuela , but the White House, Pentagon, and Central Intelligence Agency have not officially commented.
Venezuelan authorities have declared military aggression by the United States . President Nicolás Maduro has declared a state of emergency . The government statement stated that strikes targeted civilian and military targets in Caracas and several states. The Venezuelan Foreign Minister announced that all defense plans were activated and emphasized that the country reserves the right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter .
