Caracas Blasts: Venezuela Accuses US of Military Strikes

January 3, 2026

At least seven explosions were reported early Saturday morning in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, sparking panic among residents as low‑flying aircraft were also heard overhead. Videos circulating on social media showed blasts hitting various parts of the city, accompanied by smoke rising over military installations and power outages in some neighbourhoods.

Government Blames United States

The Venezuelan government has accused the United States of attacking both civilian and military infrastructure across Caracas and neighbouring states, calling the incidents acts of “military aggression” by Washington. Smoke was reportedly seen rising from a hangar at a military base, and other strategic sites experienced power failures following the explosions.

President Nicolás Maduro and Venezuelan officials have condemned the alleged strikes, asserting that they constitute an attempt to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty and potentially seize control of key resources. Caracas has also claimed that these actions violate international law and threaten regional peace, mobilizing national defence plans in response.

Chaos and Public Reaction

Residents across various neighborhoods in the capital were reportedly jolted awake by the explosions around 2 a.m. local time, with many rushing into the streets amidst the chaos. Witnesses described hearing loud blasts and seeing aircraft flying low over the city before the power outage affected parts of southern Caracas near a major military base.

US Response and Broader Context

At the time of reporting, the Pentagon and the White House had not issued an immediate response to Venezuela’s accusations. The United States Federal Aviation Administration recently banned commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity, indicative of escalating tensions between the two nations.

These incidents come amid a prolonged period of heightened strain between Caracas and Washington, linked to US military deployments in the Caribbean and a campaign of strikes against alleged drug‑trafficking targets. Venezuelan leaders have repeatedly accused the United States of seeking regime change and criticised expansive military pressure near their borders.

What’s Next

With both sides yet to provide full clarity on the causes or scope of the explosions, international concern is growing over the potential for further escalation. Governments and global organizations may call for diplomatic de‑escalation as the situation continues to develop.