On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the United States carried out a series of strikes across Venezuela, sending shockwaves through the capital, Caracas. In the early hours (around 2 a.m.), low-flying aircraft dropped bombs on civilian and military sites in Greater Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. 💥
The Venezuelan authorities called the attacks a blatant violation of the UN Charter, declaring a "state of external disturbance" as President Nicolas Maduro ordered all national defense plans into action. ⚠️
Shortly after the bombardment began, U.S. President Donald Trump—via a post on Truth Social—claimed that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out, confirming a "large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader."
In response to safety concerns, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration barred all U.S. aircraft from Venezuelan airspace early Saturday, citing risks from ongoing military activity.
This marks the first known land operation by U.S. forces in Venezuela since a months-long pressure campaign kicked off, which included naval deployments like the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and about 15,000 troops in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has also targeted vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking and pushed for a blockade of Venezuelan oil. ⛽
Several countries and international bodies condemned the strikes, labeling them a violation of international law and urging de-escalation. 🌐
Why it matters for you: This escalation could ripple through global oil markets, impacting fuel prices from Jakarta to Delhi. Stay tuned as we track the fallout and what it means for regional stability. 🔍
Reference(s):
U.S. launches strikes on Venezuela, several countries condemn attack
cgtn.com
