US Strikes Venezuela; Explosions Reported in Caracas, Global Concern Grows

Caracas/Washington:

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela escalated sharply on January 3, 2026, after reports of explosions and low-flying aircraft over Caracas and nearby regions. International media said multiple locations, including military installations, were hit, while several areas of the capital faced temporary power disruptions.

The development marks one of the most serious military escalations between the two countries in recent years.

Why the US Carried Out the Strikes

US officials linked the military action to long-running security and anti-narcotics operations. Washington has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan leadership of allowing drug trafficking networks and organised crime groups to operate with state protection—claims Caracas has consistently denied.

According to US statements, the strikes were part of a broader campaign aimed at disrupting smuggling routes, logistics hubs, and military-linked infrastructure allegedly used by criminal networks. The operation follows months of increased US naval and aerial activity in the Caribbean region.

The US administration has also maintained that it does not recognise the legitimacy of Venezuela’s current leadership, a stance that has shaped its aggressive policy approach toward Caracas.

Venezuela’s Response

The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes as “military aggression” and a violation of national sovereignty. President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency, ordered the mobilisation of defence forces, and urged citizens to remain vigilant.

Venezuelan officials accused the US of targeting not only military sites but also areas close to civilian infrastructure, a claim the US has denied. Caracas has said it will raise the issue at international forums, including the United Nations.

US Response

US President Donald Trump confirmed the military operation and described it as a large-scale, targeted strike. He also made claims regarding the status of Venezuela’s leadership, though these have not been independently verified.

The Pentagon and White House have so far issued limited operational details, stating only that the action was aimed at specific security threats and was not intended to harm civilians. Within the US, some lawmakers have questioned the legal basis and long-term implications of the strikes.

Global Reaction

The international response has been swift and divided:

• Several Latin American countries called for restraint and warned against further escalation.

• Cuba strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law.

• Iran criticised the US action and expressed support for Venezuela’s sovereignty.

• Other countries urged both sides to return to diplomatic channels to avoid a wider regional crisis.

Global markets reacted cautiously, with analysts warning that prolonged instability in Venezuela—home to vast oil reserves—could impact energy supplies.

What Lies Ahead

Key details surrounding the strikes, including their full scale and political consequences, remain unclear and evolving. Independent verification of several claims from both sides is still awaited.

With diplomatic tensions rising and military alerts active, the situation has heightened concerns over regional stability, international law, and the risk of broader conflict in the Americas.