Early on January 3, 2026, videos and images began circulating online showing explosions, smoke plumes, and aircraft over Caracas, Venezuela, following a sudden military operation reportedly carried out by the United States. The footage shared widely across social media and news platforms — appears to capture multiple blasts lighting up the night sky and low‑flying aircraft above the Venezuelan capital.
According to the US government, the strikes were part of a large‑scale military operation ordered by former President Donald Trump, and were aimed at removing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power. Trump asserted that both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the country following the assault.
What the Footage Shows
The videos that have spread online show a range of scenes, including:
- Explosions lighting up night skies over Caracas.
- Thick smoke rising from key strategic areas, especially near large military installations.
- Low‑flying aircraft in formation over urban areas.
- Moments of panic and movement in streets as residents respond to the blasts.
- Some clips also show longer sequences of repeated explosions interspersed with aircraft silhouettes, suggesting the strikes covered multiple targets across the capital and surrounding states.
While the authenticity of specific clips and timestamps is still being verified by independent media and analysts, the overall visual narrative aligns with reports of a major military strike that lasted tens of minutes.
Trump’s Announcement and Claims
President Trump used his social media platform to confirm the operation, describing it as a successful large‑scale strike against Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro had been a longtime leader. Trump stated that Maduro and his wife were taken into US custody and transported out of Venezuela. The US also asserted that the action was part of a broader effort to hold Maduro accountable for alleged criminal activities and that Maduro would face charges in American courts. In imagery shared by US officials, Maduro appears blindfolded and restrained aboard a naval vessel — a photo that quickly spread online and into news reports.
Venezuelan Government Response
In stark contrast to US accounts, the Venezuelan government has vehemently rejected the characterization of events. Caracas denounced what it called military aggression, claiming that the strikes were illegal and a blatant violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. Officials described the explosions as caused by American air and ground attacks targeting military bases and communication infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities also declared a state of emergency, mobilized defense forces, and demanded immediate “proof of life” for Maduro and Flores after questioning US assertions.
International Reaction and Uncertainty
The international community has reacted with alarm and calls for clarity. Several governments have urged restraint and transparency, stressing the need for verified information before drawing conclusions. Others have expressed concern about the legality of the US actions, especially in the absence of clear authorization. As of now, major questions remain unanswered: the exact scale of the strikes, the number of casualties, and whether the video footage truly represents military operations carried out by US forces rather than unrelated explosions or unrelated clips being recirculated.
What Happens Next
With conflicting narratives and rapidly circulating footage from different sources, the situation continues to evolve. Independent verification by international media and intelligence agencies will be critical in establishing the true sequence of events. Meanwhile, global attention remains focused on Caracas, where the visual impacts of early‑morning explosions have captured the world’s eye and sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles.
