U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States had carried out a strike on Venezuela. According to him, a series of explosions occurred in Caracas, and the attack itself lasted less than 30 minutes. Residents of the Venezuelan capital reported dozens of aircraft flying at low altitude over the city. Videos circulating online purportedly show strikes on a military facility and an air base. Trump also claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured. The strikes followed several weeks of escalating pressure from Washington.
Caracas, Venezuela, after overnight U.S. strikes.
Fire at Fuerte Tiuna—Venezuela’s largest military complex—after a series of explosions in Caracas.
Venezuelan security forces in a patrol vehicle on the streets of Caracas following reports of several explosions across different parts of the capital.
Residents stand outside their homes in Caracas.
Residents evacuate a building near the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas.
A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules and a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules on the runway at an airport in Puerto Rico. The United States has deployed a large military force in the Caribbean region and has recently intercepted oil tankers as part of a maritime blockade of Venezuelan vessels that Washington considers subject to sanctions. January 2.
Pedestrians walk past the Miraflores presidential palace after reports of explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas.
Police patrol the streets of Caracas, much of which remains without electricity, after reports of multiple explosions across the capital. January 3, 2026.
Military personnel guard the perimeter of the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas following the strikes.
Explosion at an oil refinery in Venezuela’s capital.
U.S. helicopters over Caracas.
Venezuelans leaving the country gather before crossing the border checkpoint in Cucuta, Colombia.
Civilians attempt to flee the country following large-scale U.S. strikes on Venezuela.