Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has claimed that Venezuela’s capital Caracas is being bombed, escalating concerns over a possible military incident amid already heightened regional tensions.
In a post on social media, Petro wrote: “Right now they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles.” However, there has been no official confirmation or independent evidence so far that the explosions reported across Caracas were caused by military airstrikes.
En este momento bombardean Caracas. Alerta atodo el mundo han atacado a Venezuela
Bombardean con misiles.
Debe reunirse la OEA y la ONU de inmediato.
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 3, 2026
What we know so far
Reports of multiple explosions and rising smoke began emerging from Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. Eyewitnesses and local media outlets reported loud blasts, bright flashes and low-flying aircraft near key military installations, including La Carlota military airbase and Fuerte Tiuna, one of the largest military complexes in the country.
Residents in several neighbourhoods reported power outages, while air-raid sirens were heard in parts of the city, according to social media videos and accounts that could not be independently verified.
Reports of strikes near senior officials
Local media in Caracas have also reported that airstrikes may have targeted the residence of Venezuela’s Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino López. These claims remain unverified, and Venezuelan authorities have not issued any official statement confirming damage to the minister’s residence or any military action.
Airspace restrictions and international response
Amid the unfolding situation, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a NOTAM prohibiting US aircraft from operating at all altitudes within Venezuelan airspace as of 0600Z on January 3. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed no civilian aircraft over Venezuela at the time.
International news agencies, including Reuters and the Associated Press, confirmed hearing reports of explosions in Caracas but noted that the cause remains unclear.
No official confirmation yet
The Venezuelan government has not acknowledged any attack, and there has been no confirmation from the United States or other governments regarding military involvement. Analysts caution that while regional tensions between Venezuela and the US have intensified in recent months, claims of missile strikes have not been substantiated.
As of now, the situation in Caracas remains fluid, with conflicting reports, heightened diplomatic reactions and growing concern over a potential escalation. Authorities are yet to issue a formal explanation for the explosions.
