A series of explosions and reported airstrikes hit multiple locations across northern Venezuela, including the capital Caracas, in the early hours of 3 January 2026.
Several military and strategic sites are now confirmed to have been targeted:
- Fuerte Tiuna, the main military complex in Caracas
- La Carlota, the capital’s principal airbase
- Cerro El Volcán, a major communications and signal antenna site
- La Guaira port, Venezuela’s primary seaport north of Caracas
- Higuerote Airport, an airbase in Miranda state
Additional strikes may have occurred elsewhere, but these remain unconfirmed by sources on the ground. Explosions were reported shortly after 2:00 a.m., with residents across parts of Caracas and nearby coastal areas describing low-flying aircraft and repeated detonations. The southern parts of the capital reportedly suffered power outages in the aftermath.
U.S. combat aircraft over Venezuelan capital amid explosions
Imagery from La Guaira shows significant fires burning within the port complex, with visible damage to infrastructure and at least one vessel believed to have been struck. Separate verified footage from Caracas shows a military helicopter firing rockets at ground targets during the operation, though the aircraft type cannot be conclusively identified from the available video.
The strikes took place amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation between Washington and Caracas. They followed Operation Southern Spear, a US-led effort under U.S. Southern Command focused on maritime interdiction and alleged drug trafficking networks linked to Venezuela. As part of that operation, US forces had already begun intercepting vessels in the Caribbean Sea.
In the days leading up to the explosions, the United States significantly increased its naval presence in the region, including the deployment of a major amphibious group and a carrier strike group, alongside reports of tanker seizures and a de facto naval quarantine.
US helicopter opens fire on Venezuelan military facility
The Federal Aviation Administration has since issued a NOTAM prohibiting US aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity, while the US Embassy in Caracas instructed personnel to shelter in place.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s whereabouts remain unknown. However, according to two individuals with knowledge of the situation cited by The New York Times, at least some members of his inner circle are believed to be safe. The Venezuelan government has declared a national state of emergency, accusing the United States of military aggression and calling for international intervention through the United Nations.
Opposition figures inside and outside Venezuela have issued mixed responses, with some framing the strikes as part of a broader effort to pressure the Maduro government.
While speculation continues about the precise objectives of the operation, available information suggests this was not a full-scale invasion, but rather a limited and focused military action involving air and possibly special operations forces, supported by strikes against command, control, and infrastructure targets. It is also unclear whether further strikes are planned or whether the current phase has concluded, with reports indicating the situation inside Venezuela has since become relatively quiet.