Sat Jan 03 09:00:00 UTC 2026: News Article:
U.S. Reportedly Strikes Targets in Venezuela; Maduro Condemns “Aggression”
Caracas, Venezuela – Explosions rocked Caracas and surrounding areas early Saturday morning, with the Venezuelan government swiftly accusing the United States of launching a military assault. U.S. officials, speaking to CBS News, confirmed that President Trump ordered the strikes, targeting various locations including military installations.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke and hearing intense explosions near the Fuerte Tiuna military base in Caracas. Power outages were reported in the southern part of the city, near the base. Explosions were also reported in the coastal state of La Guaira.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has declared a state of emergency and condemned the alleged U.S. aggression. “Venezuela rejects, condemns, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against the territory of Venezuela,” stated a government release. Venezuela has appealed to the UN Security Council, demanding the U.S. be held accountable.
The Venezuelan Ministry of Information claimed the strikes targeted both civilian and military sites in Caracas, as well as the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. The government alleges the attacks are aimed at seizing Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and suppressing the country’s political independence.
The White House and Pentagon have so far declined to comment on the reports.
CBS News sources within the U.S. administration claim President Trump approved the strikes days in advance. The possibility of an operation was considered around Christmas but postponed.
CNN reported a possible CIA drone strike in December on a Venezuelan dock allegedly used for drug trafficking.
Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have been high, with Trump repeatedly mentioning potential ground operations in Venezuela to pressure Maduro to step down.
Russia’s embassy in Caracas has not been affected, according to the Russian ambassador. There are no reports of organized Russian tourists in the affected areas.
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