Venezuela Declares National Emergency After Multiple Explosions Rock Caracas; Is Trump Behind Ground Operation?

Venezuela Blasts: At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2 am local time Saturday in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. People in various neighbourhoods rushed to the streets. Some could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas, news agency AP reported. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President reacted strongly to attack and called it US aggression. The President declared a national emergency and asked the troops to make a quick plan to counter the aggression. 

🇻🇪 MULTIPLE EXPLOSIONS REPORTED IN CARACAS, VENEZUELA

Residents across Caracas reported loud explosions, low-flying aircraft, and siren-like alarms in the early hours of January 3rd at 2:00 AM local time. Videos circulating on social media show flashes and smoke columns at… pic.twitter.com/32uUkcdKLC

— Crown Intelligence Group (@crownintelgroup) January 3, 2026

Did the US attack Venezuela?

This comes as the US military has been targeting, in recent days, alleged drug-smuggling boats. On Friday, Venezuela said it was open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. Amid reports of the attack on Venezuela, the US officials have confirmed to news agency Reuters about the attack. However, any official comment from Pentagon is yet to be made public.

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US President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela, amid efforts to pressure his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro to leave office. His warning included expanded sanctions, a ramped-up US military presence in the region and more than two dozen strikes on vessels allegedly involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

The South American country's President Maduro also said in a pretaped interview aired on Thursday that the US wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through the monthslong pressure campaign that began with a massive military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August.

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US military buildup

The US has made a major military buildup in the region, including an aircraft carrier, warships and advanced fighter jets stationed in the Caribbean. Trump has announced a "blockade" of Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions and staged more than two dozen strikes on vessels the U.S. alleges were involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)