Major Explosions Shake Venezuelan Capital
Multiple powerful explosions rocked Venezuela's capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, sending shockwaves through the city and raising fears of escalating military conflict between Venezuela and the United States. Witnesses reported at least seven distinct explosions around 2:00 a.m. local time, accompanied by low-flying aircraft and thick plumes of smoke rising from military installations in the southern part of the city.
'The whole ground shook,' a woman on the street told the Associated Press. 'This is terrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance.' Residents in various neighborhoods rushed into the streets as the blasts illuminated the night sky, with many capturing the dramatic scenes on their phones.
Military Complex Targeted
The explosions appeared to originate from Venezuela's major military complex, Fuerte Tiuna (Fort Tiuna), located south of Caracas. This sprawling base houses critical air defense units and the Presidential Guard, making it a strategic target. While official confirmation was initially lacking, reports indicated the complex was being evacuated and experienced power outages in surrounding areas.
According to Wikipedia documentation, the explosions affected multiple military installations including Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base and Higuerote Airport. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a NOTAM prohibiting American aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace following the incident.
Escalating US-Venezuela Conflict
The explosions come amid dramatically escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States. Since September 2025, the U.S. military has conducted 35 attacks on alleged drug-trafficking boats in international waters, resulting in at least 115 casualties according to American figures. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to launch attacks on Venezuelan territory to combat what he calls "narcoterrorism."
'Trump exaggerates Venezuela's role in international drug trafficking,' independent experts told CNN. The U.S. has designated Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, though experts question whether this decentralized network of military groups constitutes a formal cartel.
Operation Southern Spear and Regime Change Ambitions
The Trump administration's Operation Southern Spear, launched in August 2025, has seen a significant buildup of U.S. military assets in the Caribbean. While Washington claims the operation targets drug trafficking networks, many analysts believe the real objective is regime change in Venezuela.
Al Jazeera reported that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has suggested the U.S. may be trying to topple his government to gain access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the largest in the world. The U.S. has already seized several Venezuelan oil tankers and imposed crippling sanctions on the country's petroleum industry.
'The U.S. makes no secret that it seeks regime change,' political analysts noted, pointing to Washington's refusal to recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader since 2019.
International Reactions and Regional Implications
Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the explosions as 'bombing with missiles' and called for emergency meetings of the United Nations and Organization of American States. Russia and China, Venezuela's key international allies, have condemned what they view as violations of Venezuelan sovereignty.
The incident represents a dangerous escalation in a region already grappling with political instability and economic crisis. Venezuela has been mired in hyperinflation and humanitarian crisis for years, with millions fleeing the country. The explosions in Caracas threaten to further destabilize not only Venezuela but the entire South American region.
Unanswered Questions and Future Uncertainty
As of now, several critical questions remain unanswered. While the U.S. has not officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, the pattern of recent threats and military actions suggests American involvement. Some analysts have suggested alternative explanations, including internal sabotage within the Venezuelan military or false flag operations.
The explosions at Fuerte Tiuna appear designed to neutralize Venezuela's military command capabilities, particularly its air defense systems. This could pave the way for further military action if tensions continue to escalate. With both sides showing little willingness to back down, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.
As residents of Caracas assess the damage and await official explanations, the international community watches nervously, concerned that this incident could mark the beginning of a more direct military confrontation in a region that has largely avoided major conflicts in recent decades.