January 3, 2026 | 03:25 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Loud noises and low-flying aircraft were heard in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday morning, according to witnesses cited by international agencies.
The southern area of the city, near a major military base, was without electricity.
U.S. President Donald Trump has for months threatened that he could order strikes on Venezuelan land. The U.S. military has conducted dozens of strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in international waters. The U.S. has also seized Venezuelan oil tankers.
Trump this week appeared to confirm a clandestine U.S. operation at a remote dock on the coast of Venezuela.
Trump ordered strikes on Caracas, U.S. media report
U.S. broadcaster CBS first reported that U.S. President Donald Trump approved land strikes on Venezuela days before Saturday morning's attacks.
Military officials were ready to conduct the operation on Christmas, but U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria, as well as unfavorable weather conditions, delayed the mission, CBS added.
Venezuelan President Maduro declares national state of emergency after U.S. 'attack'
Venezuela's government declared a state of emergency after it accused the U.S. of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states early Saturday morning.
At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2 a.m. local time Saturday in the capital, Caracas.
Maduro said in pre-taped interview aired Thursday that U.S. wants regime change
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said in a pre-taped interview aired Thursday that the U.S. wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through its current military campaign.
The Trump administration has dialed up pressure on the Maduro regime by carrying out strikes on drug boats, a CIA strike on a Venezuelan port facility, and a blockage of sanctioned oil tankers transiting to or from Venezuela.
Venezuela says it rejects 'military aggression' by the U.S.
The Venezuelan government said in a statement early Saturday that it rejects "military aggression" by the United States.
Attacks took place in the capital, Caracas, and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, the statement said.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a national emergency in response to the US attacks and called on social and political forces to "activate mobilization plans."
The U.S. has not yet officially commented on the explosions.
Read: CIA Strikes on Venezuelan Port Facility to Target Drug Smuggling
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