Reports emerging early Saturday suggest that Donald Trump authorized U.S. military strikes on sites inside Venezuela, including key military facilities, significantly escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. According to U.S. officials cited by CBS News, the action is part of a broader campaign targeting the government of Nicolás Maduro, amid long-running allegations of drug trafficking and links to criminal networks.
The reported strikes followed a turbulent night in and around Caracas, where residents described hearing multiple explosions, air raid sirens, and the roar of low-flying aircraft. Local accounts also mentioned smoke rising near major military installations, including La Carlota Air Base and the Fuerte Tiuna, both considered critical to Venezuela’s defense infrastructure. Power outages in several neighborhoods added to public fear and uncertainty.
What Prompted the Reported U.S. Action?
U.S. officials told CBS News that the strikes came after months of heightened American military presence in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and multiple warships have been deployed in the Caribbean in recent months, signaling increased readiness. During this period, the U.S. reportedly seized two oil tankers off the Venezuelan coast and carried out deadly operations against more than 30 boats it claims were transporting drugs.
President Trump has repeatedly accused the Maduro government of involvement in narcotics trafficking and collaboration with gangs designated by Washington as terrorist organizations. Caracas has consistently denied these claims. On Christmas Eve, Trump declined to outline a specific end goal but warned that if Maduro “plays tough,” the consequences would be severe.
Venezuelan Government Response and State of Emergency
The Venezuelan government quickly accused the United States of what it termed a “military aggression,” a claim that had not been officially acknowledged by Washington at the time those statements were made. The situation intensified late Friday night when President Maduro declared a national state of emergency, ordering the activation of all national defense contingencies and calling on political, military, and social forces to mobilize.
In an official statement, Venezuelan authorities said the incidents were not confined to Caracas alone, alleging activity in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira as well. Independent verification of strikes in these regions remains limited, and details about damage or casualties have not been confirmed.
