US military strikes inflict widespread damage in Venezuela
Explosions, fires and infrastructure destruction reported in Caracas and La Guaira amid escalating tensions
CARACAS, Venezuela (MNTV) — A series of United States military strikes that began early on January 3 has caused significant destruction to strategic military and civil infrastructure in Venezuela, according to international news reports and official statements, marking a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Venezuelan tensions.
Residents in and around the capital, Caracas, reported hearing at least seven large explosions around 2 a.m. local time, followed by low-flying aircraft, including gunship helicopters, over multiple districts, including La Guaira and Higuerote, reflecting the scale and intensity of the attack.
Venezuelans saw smoke rising from several sites, power outages were reported in parts of southern Caracas, and civil and military facilities were struck. Among the confirmed targets of the strikes were key military and strategic locations including the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base (La Carlota), the Fuerte Tiuna military complex, and areas near Higuerote Airport and Baruta, according to satellite imagery and eyewitness video verified by international media.
Explosions were also reported near communication and command infrastructure used by Venezuela’s armed forces.
In addition to military installations, the port of La Guaira — one of Venezuela’s major ports — suffered severe damage, although it is not directly involved in the country’s oil export operations, which officials said remained intact.
The strikes reportedly left sections of the capital without electricity and caused widespread fear and disruption among civilians.
Venezuelan authorities, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, said that both military personnel and innocent civilians were killed or injured in the attack described by Venezuelan government as a full-scale military aggression by the United States
The strikes coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of Venezuela, a claim that has drawn intense international backlash and scrutiny.
The Venezuelan government denounced the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and international law, accusing Washington of targeting both military and civilian infrastructure.
In response to the explosions and ongoing military activity, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a prohibition on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace, citing safety risks amid the heightened conflict environment.
The destruction in Caracas and other regions has prompted fear of a deeper humanitarian crisis and raised concerns about broader regional instability, with international observers warning that the damage to critical infrastructure could have lasting effects on civilian life and emergency services.
The extent of long-term impact, including reconstruction needs and displacement pressures, remains uncertain as independent assessments continue to be limited in the immediate aftermath.
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