War in the Caribbean? U.S. hits Venezuelan military targets in major nighttime escalation

Reports circulating early Saturday have sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles, with U.S. media sources claiming that President Donald Trump authorised American military strikes on targets inside Venezuela. If confirmed, the action would represent the most serious direct military escalation between Washington and Caracas in decades.

According to U.S. officials cited by CBS News, the alleged strikes targeted strategic military facilities linked to the government of President Nicolás Maduro. The move is described as part of a broader pressure campaign aimed at dismantling what the U.S. has long alleged are deep ties between the Maduro administration, drug trafficking operations, and organised criminal networks.

Explosions reported across Caracas

Residents in and around Caracas described a chaotic and frightening night. Multiple eyewitness accounts spoke of loud explosions, air raid sirens, and the sound of aircraft flying unusually low over the city. Plumes of smoke were reportedly seen near La Carlota Air Base and the Fuerte Tiuna military complex — two of the most important pillars of Venezuela’s defence system.

Several neighbourhoods experienced sudden power outages, further heightening panic and confusion. As of now, there has been no independent confirmation of casualties or the extent of damage, leaving the situation clouded by uncertainty.

What may have triggered the attack, and is Donald Trump involved?

U.S. officials told CBS News that the reported strikes followed months of heightened American military activity in the Caribbean region. The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier group, alongside multiple warships, had already signalled a more aggressive U.S. posture.

In recent months, Washington reportedly seized 2 oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast and carried out operations that it claims destroyed more than 30 boats involved in drug trafficking. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro’s government of functioning as a “narco-state” and collaborating with criminal groups designated by the U.S. as terrorist organisations, allegations Venezuela has consistently denied.

On Christmas Eve, President Trump declined to clarify whether regime change was an explicit objective, but warned publicly that Caracas would face “serious consequences” if it continued to defy Washington.

Caracas declares a State of Emergency

The Venezuelan government swiftly condemned the alleged strikes, accusing the United States of “military aggression” against a sovereign nation. At the time of those statements, Washington had not issued an official confirmation of any attack.

Late Friday night, President Nicolás Maduro escalated the response by declaring a nationwide state of emergency. In a televised address and subsequent official statements, he ordered the activation of all national defence contingencies and called on political leaders, the armed forces, and civilian organisations to mobilise.

Venezuelan authorities also claimed that suspicious military activity was not limited to the capital. Officials alleged incidents in Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira states, though independent verification of strikes or explosions in those regions remains limited.

What does this mean for the U.S. and Venezuela?

If substantiated, the reported strikes would push U.S.-Venezuela relations into uncharted territory. While Washington has relied heavily on sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and covert pressure in recent years, direct military action would mark a dramatic shift in strategy.

For now, the situation remains fluid. With conflicting claims, limited confirmation, and rising rhetoric on both sides, the coming hours are expected to be critical in determining whether this episode represents a brief show of force or the beginning of a far wider confrontation.