Multiple Explosions in Venezuelan Capital: "Trump Ordered Airstrikes" (Comprehensive)

The unrest, including explosions that occurred in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is reported to have resulted from an airstrike order issued by President Donald Trump of the United States. Venezuela has condemned the U.S. government and declared a national state of emergency.

According to major foreign media outlets such as the Associated Press on January 3 (local time), at around 2 a.m. that day, at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Simultaneously, the sound of low-flying aircraft was reported, and residents rushed out into various parts of the city.

Donald Trump, President of the United States. The Asia Business Daily

Smoke was seen rising from a military base hangar in Caracas. It was also reported that power supply to some military facilities in the city had been cut off.

Other foreign media, including NBC News, reported eyewitness accounts of gunfire in several locations. At least nine helicopters were seen flying over the skies of Caracas.

The Venezuelan government issued a statement strongly condemning the United States for attacking Venezuela’s civilian and military facilities, declaring that it denounces the U.S. military assault. President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela declared a national state of emergency and ordered the mobilization of all military forces in response to the U.S. attack.

Jennifer Jacobs, a reporter for CBS in the United States, reported on X (formerly Twitter), citing U.S. officials, that President Donald Trump had ordered airstrikes on multiple locations in Venezuela.

Fox News also reported, citing sources, that the U.S. military had indeed attacked Venezuela.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump of the United States had hinted at the possibility of expanding military operations conducted in the waters near Venezuela into a ground operation against Venezuela. Some have interpreted this as an attempt by the United States to pressure President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela to step down.

The Trump administration has previously sunk vessels suspected of being drug transport ships near Venezuela and seized oil tankers that violated international law. More recently, it destroyed dock facilities used by Venezuelan drug boats.