Caracas (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas as Venezuela blamed the US for attacks, while authorities declared a state of emergency.
As reported by Tom Phillips of The Guardian, Venezuela’s government has accused the US of carrying out multiple strikes targeting civilian and military sites after explosions shook Caracas early Saturday.
What did Venezuela say about the US strikes?
At least seven explosions shook Caracas around 2 a.m. local time, with low-flying aircraft seen overhead. Smoke rose over the city, and residents poured into the streets in the southern areas, while authorities have yet to explain the cause.
The Venezuelan government called on its citizens to resist the attacks, warning that Washington’s actions could plunge Latin America into chaos with an “extremely serious” act of military aggression.
The statement said,
“The entire country must mobilise to defeat this imperialist aggression.”
It added,
“Such aggression threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean, and seriously endangers the lives of millions of people.”
According to US media, President Donald Trump ordered a military attack against the South American country.
The Venezuelan government confirmed strikes on Caracas and three other states, including Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
It continued,
“The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela’s strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals.”
The Venezuelan government appealed to the international community to condemn what it called a serious violation of international law amid missile attacks.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on social media that Venezuela was under attack, reporting missile strikes and calling for an immediate UN Security Council meeting.
According to CBS News, President Trump had ordered strikes, including attacks on military facilities, while the White House and Pentagon offered no official comment.
The Associated Press reported that at least seven explosions shook Caracas, sending residents in several neighborhoods running into the streets.
Eyewitnesses reported smoke rising from two military locations in Caracas: La Carlota airfield in the city center and Fuerte Tiuna, where President Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside. The Higuerote airport, east of Caracas, also appeared affected.
The explosions come after a five-month US pressure campaign against Maduro, which analysts say aims to remove the Venezuelan leader. Since August, President Trump has increased military presence off Venezuela and carried out airstrikes on boats linked to alleged narcotics operations.
Amid efforts to pressure Maduro, Trump has promised possible ground operations in Venezuela, while the US has increased sanctions, deployed more troops, and targeted multiple vessels accused of drug trafficking in the Pacific and Caribbean.
Washington has captured sanctioned tankers off Venezuela, while Trump ordered a blockade on more ships, increasing pressure on the South American economy.
What did Donald Trump say about the capture of Maduro?
President Trump confirmed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilla Flores, were captured and removed from the country after a major US strike in the early hours.
He posted on Truth Social,
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.”
Mr Trump added,
“This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
What did the US warn its citizens about Venezuela?
US citizens are warned against traveling to Venezuela; those already in the country are told to stay indoors, as the top-level travel advisory has remained since December 3.
This warning comes amid
“serious risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary law enforcement, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health services.”
What did Nicolas Maduro say about US talks on drug trafficking in Venezuela?
Nicolas Maduro said he is willing to discuss a deal with the US to tackle drug trafficking. In a New Year’s Eve interview, he also accused the US of seeking to change his government and seize Venezuela’s oil, coinciding with US strikes on five suspected drug boats.
He stated,
“What are they seeking? It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force.”
Maduro added that Washington knows
“because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready.”
What’s behind Nicolas Maduro’s clash with the US?
The hard-left Bolivarian ideology of Chavez and Maduro rejects American dominance and labels the US an imperialist force.
The US disputes Maduro’s rule, citing alleged election fraud in 2018 and 2024, and recognizes opposition candidates as the legitimate leaders.
Washington has repeatedly accused Venezuela of failing to cooperate with anti-drug efforts. President Trump escalated the claims, blaming Maduro for migration to the US, alleging oil theft, and labeling him a cartel leader. Maduro denies all accusations.