Loud explosions, followed by sounds resembling aircraft flying overhead, were heard in Caracas at around 2:00 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Saturday. The blasts come as U.S. President Donald Trump, who has deployed a naval task force to the Caribbean, has hinted at the possibility of ground strikes against Venezuela.
Witnesses reported hearing at least seven explosions across the capital, while Venezuela’s airspace has been completely closed.
Reactions to the Attack
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has issued a statement strongly condemning the military aggression launched by the United States against the country. The government described this act as a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, particularly Articles 1 and 2, which emphasize respect for state sovereignty, equality among nations, and the prohibition of the use of force.
The statement further read: "The goal of this attack is nothing less than the seizure of Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and mineral reserves, and an attempt to undermine the country's political independence through force. They will not succeed. After more than two hundred years of independence, the people of Venezuela and their legitimate government will steadfastly defend their national sovereignty and their inalienable right to determine their own destiny."
The statement also condemned attempts to impose a colonial war aimed at destroying the republican system and forcing regime change, stating, "Like all previous attempts, this will fail."
Colombia Requests Urgent UN Meeting on Venezuela Attack
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called on the United Nations to intervene and stop the attacks on Venezuela. Petro urged the Organization of American States (OAS) and the UN to hold an emergency meeting immediately. In a post on X, Petro wrote: "Caracas is currently being bombarded. Inform the world that Venezuela is under attack."
Cuba Condemns U.S. Attacks on Venezuela
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the United States' "criminal attack" on Venezuela, calling for an immediate international response.
In a statement, Díaz-Canel said: “Cuba condemns this criminal attack by the United States against Venezuela and calls for an immediate response from the international community. Our peaceful region has been brutally attacked. This act is terrorism against the brave people of Venezuela and against ‘Our America.’ Either death or homeland, we will prevail.”
Iran Condemns U.S. Military Aggression Against Venezuela
In an official statement, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the U.S. military attack on Venezuela, calling it a clear violation of international law and Venezuela's sovereignty. Iran described the attack as an act of aggression that must be immediately condemned by the United Nations and all concerned nations. The statement emphasized Venezuela's right to defend its sovereignty and called for global action to hold those responsible accountable.
Russia Condemns U.S. Armed Aggression Against Venezuela, Calls for Dialogue
Russia condemned the U.S. armed aggression against Venezuela, calling it unfounded and deeply concerning. The Ministry stressed the importance of preventing further escalation and resolving issues through dialogue. Russia reaffirmed its solidarity with Venezuela and its support for peace efforts in Latin America, emphasizing respect for the Venezuelan government’s sovereignty and national interests. The Russian Embassy in Caracas said it is operating normally and remains in contact with Venezuelan authorities and Russian citizens.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vows to Resist Foreign Troops Following U.S. Strikes
Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, in a video, condemned the U.S. military aggression against Venezuela on January 3rd, describing it as a criminal act targeting civilian areas. Padrino emphasized the country's rejection of foreign troops and vowed a strong response. Padrino said that under the orders of President Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan Armed Forces would deploy all available military and defense systems to protect the nation, restore order, and safeguard sovereignty. He added that the military would coordinate a large-scale defense operation across land, air, sea, and river territories.
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