Dec 3, 2025
US airstrikes hit Venezuela’s capital Caracas, with loud explosions, military aircraft activity, and power outages reported, as strikes are also reported on Margarita Island.
Featured Image: Explosions at La Cariota airport, Caracas, Venezuela
Heavy airstrikes have struck Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, amid reports of an escalating military situation and heightened foreign pressure.
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Caracas reported hearing loud explosions across the capital, alongside intense military aircraft activity over the city. According to the correspondent, power outages were reported in several areas of Caracas following the strikes.
#BREAKING | Footage circulating on social media shows plumes of smoke rising over the capital of #Venezuela, reportedly following loud explosions. #Caracas pic.twitter.com/dtfEdquBi6
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 3, 2026
Reuters separately reported a power outage near a military base south of the Venezuelan capital. Our correspondent said that strikes targeted several areas in the capital, including military bases, resulting in power and internet outages.
Reports also indicate that airstrikes targeted Margarita Island, in Nueva Esparta state.
Later reports revealed that strikes targeted multiple bases and civilian installations, including the Fort Tiuna military complex, La Carlota air base, and the Higuerote Airport. Additionally, Venezuelan media outlets reported explosions at La Guaira port in Vargas state, Venezuela’s largest seaport.
Footage shared by citizens also showed military transport helicopters flying over the capital.
#Watch | Footage from #Caracas shows the aftermath of a series of powerful explosions that rocked the Venezuelan capital, according to #AlMayadeen’s correspondent on the ground.
Loud blasts were heard across the city as intensive military warplane activity took place in the… pic.twitter.com/rN6vIEnb5W
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 3, 2026
Venezuela condemns US military aggression
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has strongly rejected and condemned the US military strikes, describing them as a “blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, particularly Articles 1 and 2.”
The government stated that the attacks targeted both civilian and military areas in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, putting “the lives of millions of people at grave risk.”
Caracas said the strikes are part of an attempt to seize its strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and warned that the effort to break the country’s political independence “will not succeed.”
The statement highlighted the country’s historical resilience, noting that “since 1811, Venezuela has faced and defeated empires.”
National mobilization and defense measures
In response to the attacks, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has ordered the immediate implementation of all national defense plans and the enforcement of a decree declaring a “state of external emergency across the national territory.”
The government called on “all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.”
The Bolivarian National Armed Forces, together with the people and police, have been deployed in coordination to “guarantee sovereignty and peace.”
The statement also confirmed that Venezuela will seek international recourse, filing complaints with the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, CELAC, and the Non-Aligned Movement, “demanding condemnation and accountability from the US government.”
Venezuelan sources speaking to Al Mayadeen said that President Maduro is safe and leading the country, adding that the internal situation remains stable and well-managed.
Washington is yet to comment
The United States has not yet announced responsibility for the attacks, although Washington has repeatedly threatened to attack Venezuelan territory.
According to Fox News, US officials confirmed that military strikes have been launched against Venezuela. CBS reported that the attack had initially been planned for Christmas but was postponed due to weather conditions. Fox News also noted that US aviation authorities have imposed an aerial blockade on commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace.
International condemnation of unilateral American aggression
Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted a plea on X, urging the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) to meet immediately.
“Caracas is being bombed right now,” Petro, who had publicly stated his opposition to US aggression on Venezuela, said.
“Alert the world: Venezuela has been attacked!” he added.
“The OAS and the UN must meet immediately,” Petro stated.
Cuba’s Diaz-Canel denounces US aggression
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel strongly condemned the attacks on Venezuela, describing them as “criminal US aggression” and calling for an urgent international response. He warned that the region is facing a “brutal attack and state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and against the American continent,” underscoring the broader implications for Latin American stability.
Díaz-Canel’s statement reflects Cuba’s firm stance in support of Venezuela’s sovereignty and highlights concerns over escalating regional tensions caused by Washington’s aggression.
Colombia calls for restraint and regional peace
The Colombian government expressed deep concern over the reported explosions and unusual aerial activity in Venezuela, describing the developments as a “consequent escalation of tension in the region.”
Bogota reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, emphasizing respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Colombian authorities rejected any “unilateral military action that could worsen the situation or put civilian populations at risk” and called for urgent de-escalation. The government stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomatic channels, while precautionary measures have been implemented to protect civilians and maintain stability along the Colombia-Venezuela border.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry will keep communication channels open with relevant governments and promote initiatives in regional and multilateral forums to ensure “objective verification of events” and safeguard regional peace and security. The statement concluded with a call for solidarity, noting that “peace, respect for international law, and the protection of human life and dignity must prevail over any form of armed confrontation.”
Iran: US attacks are a clear breach of UN Charter
The Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the US attacks on Venezuela, describing them as a “blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and a “clear breach of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.”
Tehran warned that the strikes threaten peace and security, with “repercussions that threaten the international order,” and affirmed Venezuela’s “inherent right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its people’s right to self-determination.”
PIJ condemns US aggression against Venezuela
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement denounced the US attacks on Venezuela, stating that the “acts of aggression reveal intentions of domination, occupation, and imposing control through force and oppression.”
The group also emphasized that targeting Venezuela serves as “punishment for its stances and its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and Resistance forces.”
This is a developing story…
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