Caught On Camera: Fireballs Erupt Across Caracas In Suspected US Strike; Residents Flee To The Streets | World News
The capital of Venezuela was shaken by the sounds of huge explosions and the thunder of low-flying warplanes in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026. US officials confirmed that President Donald Trump has called for targeted attacks on Venezuela’s military bases and key infrastructure assets in the country; This is the first large-scale military intervention on Venezuelan soil in decades.
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These events are occurring against a backdrop of rising tensions and a significant US naval buildup in the Caribbean, resembling a response to alleged state-sponsored drug trafficking activities.
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WATCH: Massive explosions at Higuerote Airport, about 87 km (54 miles) east of Caracas pic.twitter.com/TCL7goWlQ3— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) January 3, 2026
Midnight Strikes in the Capital
At least seven large explosions were reported in Caracas at approximately 2:00 am local time (0600 GMT). This was when people described “the whole world shaking” due to the noise of planes flying overhead.
La Carlota Air BaseIt was reported that smoke was rising from the hangar area of this important military base in the city.
Fuerte Tiuna: There are allegations that the national main command headquarters was also bombed.
Power Outages: Immediately after the explosions, a large part of southern Caracas, where military bases are located, was plunged into darkness.
Explosions and smoke rise in Venezuela’s capital after suspected US airstrikes. No statement from the US government yet pic.twitter.com/Q900vyucKN— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) January 3, 2026
Strikes Extend to Coastal Centers
Unconfirmed reports and social media images from multiple cities suggest a multi-city coordinated attack will be carried out beyond the capital.
Higuerote Airport: Large fireballs were captured on dramatic video at the airport located 87 km east of Caracas.
Port of La Guaira: Eyewitnesses reported secondary explosions and dense black smoke at one of the country’s most important sea gates.
La Guaira and Miranda States: Reports of missile noise and heavy aircraft activity emerge throughout the night.
Trump Administration Explained Its ‘Fight Against Narcotics’ Mission
President Donald Trump has previously warned that ground offensives against drug cartels and the “narco-terrorist” Maduro regime would begin “soon.” U.S. officials say the attacks targeted facilities used to support smuggling operations.
“The United States is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels that threaten our borders,” the administration previously wrote, justifying a campaign that has seen dozens of naval attacks on boats in the Caribbean.
READ ALSO | Huge Explosions Heard in Caracas, the Capital of Venezuela, Amid Allegations of a US Airstrike
