Venezuela Burns As US Strikes Defence HQs in Capital Caracas; President Maduro Declares National Emergency

The United States attacked Venezuela early Saturday, launching military strikes on the capital Caracas and hitting key installations, including the country’s defence headquarters. Explosions and aerial activity were reported across the city following the strikes reportedly ordered by President Donald Trump.

The attack prompted Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro to declare a state of external commotion across the country and order the implementation of all national defence plans. In an official statement, the Venezuelan government said the strikes hit civilian and military locations in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, describing the action as a violation of the UN Charter. Maduro has also ordered the immediate deployment of comprehensive national defence commands, while Venezuela said it will approach the United Nations and other international bodies over what it termed an act of external aggression.

Multiple loud explosions tore through parts of Venezuela’s capital Caracas around 2 am local time, accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft and helicopters. The strikes mark the first confirmed US military action targeting Venezuelan defence infrastructure on Venezuelan soil amid the current crisis.

Preliminary reports indicate that explosions and thick smoke were seen near Fort Tiuna, a highly secured military complex that houses Venezuela’s Ministry of Defence. Sources on the ground reported US CH-47 Chinook helicopters flying close to the area at the time of the blasts, suggesting a coordinated aerial operation.

In addition to Fort Tiuna, large explosions were also reported near Higuerote Airport and the port of La Guaira, while power outages hit several parts of Caracas, intensifying panic among residents.

“At least seven explosions were heard. The whole ground shook,” said a Caracas resident. “We heard planes and felt the air hit us.”

People in multiple neighbourhoods rushed out onto the streets as shockwaves rippled across the capital. Venezuelan state television, however, did not interrupt regular programming and continued airing cultural content.

Trump Ordered Strikes

In a post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Earlier during the day, US officials told CBS News that President Donald Trump personally authorised the strikes, targeting military facilities linked to the Maduro regime. While the White House and Pentagon have not issued formal statements, Trump administration officials acknowledged they were aware of reports of explosions and aircraft activity over Caracas.

Reuters reported that requests for comment sent to the Pentagon, White House and Venezuelan authorities did not receive immediate responses.

Maduro Declares Emergency

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency, accusing the US of launching what he described as an “imperialist aggression” against the country. In a televised address, Maduro called on Venezuelans to mobilise and unite to “defeat this attack on national sovereignty.”

Maduro has repeatedly alleged that Washington is attempting to force regime change and seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, a claim he reiterated in recent interviews.

In its official statement, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela said it rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current Government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and population in the civilian and military locations of the city of Caracas, capital of the Republic, and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. This act constitutes a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, particularly its Articles 1 and 2, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition on the use of force. Such aggression threatens international peace and stability, specifically that of Latin America and the Caribbean, and puts the lives of millions of people at grave risk.

Colombia Demands Immediate UN-OAS Meet

Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a stark warning to the global community, claiming that Venezuela was under direct attack.

“Right now they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world. They are bombing with missiles,” Petro said in a social media post.

Calling the situation a regional emergency, Petro urged the United Nations and the Organisation of American States (OAS) to convene immediately, warning that the conflict could spiral beyond Venezuela’s borders.

Oil Tankers Turn Away, Economic Pressure Mounts

The strikes come amid intensifying US economic and military pressure on Venezuela. Reports indicate that more oil tankers are now turning away from Venezuelan waters, following US threats to seize vessels accused of helping fund the Maduro government.

The Trump administration has already seized sanctioned oil tankers and ordered blockades, significantly tightening the economic chokehold on Caracas.

Drug War & Military Buildup

The escalation follows months of rising confrontation. The US military has been attacking alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific since September. According to figures released by the Trump administration, 35 boats have been struck and at least 115 people killed so far.

The action followed a massive US military buildup off South America, including the deployment of the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, marking the largest American military presence in the region in generations.

Trump has justified the operations as a necessary escalation in an “armed conflict” against drug cartels, while US authorities have charged Maduro with narco-terrorism.

A CIA-linked drone strike had recently hit a docking area believed to be used by Venezuelan drug cartels, the first known US operation on Venezuelan land prior to Saturday’s strikes.