2026 United States strikes in Venezuela: Difference between revisions

Explosions in Venezuela

On 3 January 2026, the United States launched airstrikes on multiple locations across Northern Venezuela, including the capital city of Caracas. It is considered a major escalation of the ongoing conflict in the region.^{[2] [3]}

Background

The explosions occurred during heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States.^[4] They were preceded by Operation Southern Spear,^[5] a United States operation headed by SOUTHCOM using a hybrid fleet of vessels equipped with robotics and autonomous weapons to detect and combat alleged drug trafficking in Latin America, primarily targeting Venezuela via Cartel of the Suns networks. During the operation, the United States began executing airstrikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea that it alleged were conducting drug trafficking under Venezuelan protection.

The U.S. also initiated a naval buildup in the southern Caribbean, including deploying the USS Iwo Jima and its amphibious ready group, and the USS Gerald R. Ford, which began intercepting and seizing oil tankers, imposing a naval quarantine on Venezuela.^[6][7] The U.S. also launched covert operations in Venezuela under the directive of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in late December 2025.^[8] U.S. president Donald Trump had previously announced that the U.S. military would begin conducting strikes inside Venezuela.^[9]

Explosions

At least seven explosions were reported at around 2:00 a.m., and low-flying aircraft were seen,^[10] predominantly near La Guaira, Higuerote, Meseta de Mamo, Baruta, El Hatillo, Charallave, Carmen de Uria, which are mostly inside or nearby the capital city Caracas.^[11] Most of the explosions were launched at antennas and active military bases.^[12] Early reports suggested the explosions may have originated from Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base and Fort Tiuna, two military installations in the area;^[13] large explosions were also reported at Higuerote Airport.^[14][15]

David Smolansky, a spokesman for Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, told CBS News that aside from Fort Tiuna and Miranda Airbase, La Guaira port and antennas in Cerro El Volcán were also hit.^[2]

Aftermath

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a NOTAM prohibiting U.S. aircraft from operating at all altitudes within Venezuelan airspace, citing “ongoing military activity”.^[16][17] The Embassy of the United States in Caracas issued a shelter in place.^[18] The southern area of Caracas reportedly lost power.^[19] Trump administration officials confirmed they were aware of the situation. CBS News reported that President Trump had ordered strikes inside Venezuela, including on military facilities; however, the U.S. government has not released an official statement.^{[20][21] [22]}

Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro declared a national state of emergency following the explosions.^[23] The government promised to defend against US military actions that sought regime change, which it described as “imperialist aggression”, and called for the United Nations Security Council to be convened.^[24]

Reactions

Venezuela

The Government of Venezuela stated it rejected and denounced the United States military aggression,^[21] and blamed the Government of the United States, but does not mention Donald Trump directly.^[25] The President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency in response to the incident.^[26] Opposition leader María Corina Machado told CBS News she supported Trump’s strategy.^[2]

United States

Senator Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned against any U.S military involvement in Venezuela after reports of explosions in Caracas, posting on X that the United States has “no vital national interests in Venezuela to justify war.”^[27]

International

See also

References