International Conflicts

Explosions rock Caracas as CBS reports Trump ordered strikes on Venezuela

Maduro declares a state of emergency and accuses the U.S. of military aggression amid reports of overnight blasts and air activity.

Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

As Actualidad Agencias

Update: Jan 3rd, 2026 03:43 EST

Multiple explosions were reported early Saturday in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, as tensions with the United States escalated sharply. President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of a “grave military aggression” and declared a nationwide state of emergency.

Overnight blasts and aircraft reported in Caracas

Residents reported hearing several detonations before dawn, along with the sound of aircraft flying overhead. Authorities did not immediately provide details about the explosions. The reports come as Venezuela has warned of alleged threats from the U.S. government tied to increased military activity in the Caribbean and warnings of potential ground operations.

The Venezuelan government described the incidents as a “very serious military aggression” by the United States, saying both civilian and military sites were hit in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, as well as in Caracas. Officials said they ordered the deployment of the nation’s comprehensive defense command.

Maduro declares a state of emergency

In response, Maduro declared a state of external emergency across the country. In a statement, the executive branch said the president signed a decree to activate the measure to “protect the rights of the population, ensure the full functioning of republican institutions and move immediately to armed defense.”

Videos circulate from military sites

Videos shared on social media appeared to show explosions at multiple points across the capital. Some users reported blasts at Fort Tiuna, the country’s main military complex in western Caracas, and at La Carlota air base.

🇻🇪| AHORA: Explosiones en Caracas, Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/Bn7MiWNtf8
— Radar Austral (@RadarAustral_) January 3, 2026

“Fort Tiuna is exploding,” voices can be heard saying in videos filmed from nearby apartments.

CBS reports Trump ordered strikes

CBS News reported that President Donald Trump ordered strikes on targets inside Venezuela overnight, including military facilities, citing administration sources. The report described the move as an escalation of pressure on Maduro’s government.

Colombia’s president warns of missile bombardment

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Saturday that Caracas was under bombardment after the overnight explosions.

“At this moment, Caracas is being bombed. Alert the world. Venezuela has been attacked. Missile strikes,” Petro wrote on X, calling for urgent meetings of the Organization of American States and the United Nations.