Venezuela has plunged into a state of national emergency following reports of a severe bombing attack in its capital, Caracas, early on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The situation prompted immediate international alarm, with Colombia's President calling for urgent global intervention.
Explosions Rock the Capital
Residents of Caracas were jolted awake by multiple explosions in the early hours of Saturday. The blasts were not isolated to the capital; reports indicated attacks also occurred in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. The Venezuelan government itself described the incident as an act of "military aggression."
Witnesses on the ground reported seeing a large plume of smoke rising over parts of the city. The southern areas of Caracas, located near a significant military installation, experienced disruptions in power supply. Adding to the chaos, locals and local media, including the daily El Nacional, reported hearing and seeing aircraft, including planes and helicopters, flying overhead during the incidents.
International Reaction and Calls for Action
The gravity of the situation was underscored by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who confirmed the reports of explosions and military activity inside Venezuela. President Petro issued a stark alert to the global community, stating, "Right now they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles."
He urgently called for emergency meetings of both the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations to address the escalating crisis. This move highlights the potential regional implications of the attack and the need for a coordinated diplomatic response.
Background of Tensions and Unclear Perpetrators
This attack occurs against a backdrop of long-standing political and economic turmoil in Venezuela and persistent external pressure on the government of President Nicolas Maduro. US President Donald Trump has previously spoken about potential ground operations in Venezuela as part of a strategy to remove Maduro from power.
Past efforts have included imposing stricter sanctions, increasing the US military presence in the region, and conducting strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking. However, it remains unclear if the United States or any other nation was involved in Saturday's bombings in Caracas. The identity of the attackers and the precise motive behind the assault are key questions yet to be answered as the situation develops.
The declaration of a national emergency signifies the severity with which the Venezuelan government views this attack, granting authorities broader powers to respond to the crisis. The world now watches closely for further developments, official statements, and the outcomes of the requested international meetings.
