Venezuelan security forces in action.Image: keystone
Several explosions have rocked the Venezuelan capital Caracas. There are consistent reports that the US has attacked targets in Venezuela. Many details are still open. Here is the current status – separated into confirmed information and open questions.
January 3, 2026, 11:05 amJan 3, 2026, 4:25 p.m
WHAT WE KNOW
USA attacks Venezuela militarily
The United States has attacked targets in Venezuela. This is reported unanimously by US media such as CBS News and Fox News. President Donald Trump later confirmed the attacks himself. According to CBS News, the operations were approved directly by the president.
The video shows the US attack on Venezuela.Video: Watson/Reuters
Maduro arrested – taken out of the country, according to the USA
Trump said on Truth Social that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been arrested along with his wife and flown out of the country. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said that the “tyrant” had fallen and would be held accountable for his “crimes”. According to CBS News, Maduro was captured by an elite US Delta Force unit.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife (archive photo).Image: keystone
Military targets in the focus of attacks
The airstrikes reportedly targeted military infrastructure, including bases, airfields, communications facilities and ports. In Caracas, among other things, the Fuerte Tiuna military base is said to have been attacked.
Explosions and high alert in Caracas
Explosions and columns of smoke can be seen over the capital in Venezuelan media and social networks. Several detonations apparently occurred in the La Carlota area with an air force base. Security force armored vehicles were spotted near the Miraflores presidential palace.
Security forces in Caracas.Image: keystone
Sharp accusations from Caracas – call for resistance
The Venezuelan government speaks of military aggression against civilian and military targets and describes the attacks as a violation of the UN Charter. Caracas accuses the USA of wanting to force a change of government and gain access to Venezuelan oil reserves.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino called on the population and armed forces to resist and announced that all troops would be deployed for national defense.
The conflict had previously come to a head
Tensions between Washington and Caracas had already increased significantly in recent weeks. The USA massively expanded its military presence in the region, including with the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, additional warships, fighter aircraft and a long-range bomber.
The US government had previously confirmed attacks on suspected drug trafficking centers in Venezuela.
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW
There is no independent confirmation on Maduro
So far there is no independent confirmation from Venezuela about the arrest or departure of President Maduro. His current whereabouts are also unclear.
Details about the course and extent of the attacks are open
The exact timing, the full scope of the attacks and all affected targets are not yet known.
No reliable casualty and damage figures
There is currently no reliable information about possible deaths, injuries or destruction of civilian infrastructure.
International consequences unclear
It is currently unclear what consequences the attacks will have for regional security in Latin America and for international diplomacy.
(mke)