The United States launched what it described as a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela early Saturday. US President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country in a dramatic overnight operation.
Trump announced the developments on his social media platform, Truth Social, shortly after 4.30 am ET, hours after multiple explosions were reported in Caracas. “Maduro has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump wrote. He added that the operation was conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement” and had been carried out “successfully”.
Multiple secondary explosions seen, while flames and smoke emanate from the Port of Caracas in Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/R8OJ4CsdHO
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 3, 2026
Low-flying aircraft, buildings on fire
In Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, at least seven explosions were reported in the early hours of Saturday. Residents described low-flying aircraft sweeping across the city as blasts echoed through several neighbourhoods. Videos circulating on social media showed buildings on fire in different parts of the city, with thick columns of smoke rising into the night sky.
Venezuela’s government immediately accused the United States of attacking both civilian and military installations, calling the action an “imperialist attack”. Officials urged citizens to take to the streets.
🚨#BREAKING: Reuters reports that U.S. ground forces and United States Air Force assets are currently on the ground and active in and around Caracas, Venezuela. Multiple explosions have been reported and observed across the capital as operations continue. pic.twitter.com/96mTpvxmQX
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 3, 2026
The strike lasted less than 30 minutes, according to initial reports, though it remained unclear whether further military action was planned. Trump’s post did not specify targets or the scale of damage but asserted that the operation had achieved its objectives.
Financialexpress.com cannot independently verify the authenticity of the videos.
US bans commercial flights in Venezuela
Ahead of the explosions, the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on American commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace, citing “ongoing military activity.” Additional reports on social media suggested that secondary explosions followed the initial blasts, with flames and smoke continuing to billow from affected areas.
Some unverified accounts claimed a powerful explosion was heard near Higuerote Airport in Miranda state, north of Caracas. There was no immediate confirmation of casualties or the full extent of damage as the situation continued to unfold.