In a dramatic and unconfirmed escalation of tensions, reports and social media footage suggest that United States Marine Corps forces have entered Venezuela's capital, Caracas. The alleged military action, reportedly ordered by former US President Donald Trump, has thrown the city into chaos, marked by explosions, low-flying aircraft, and widespread power outages.
Chaos in the Capital: Explosions and Armoured Movements
Videos circulating online on January 3, 2026, depict a scene of panic in Caracas. Residents reported hearing missile-like strikes and seeing fires light up the night sky. The visual evidence, though unverified, shows significant armoured vehicle movements across the city. Key strategic locations, including the Fort Tiuna army base, La Carlota Air Base, the 23 de Enero area, and the Miraflores Palace—the seat of the Venezuelan government—were reportedly centres of the activity.
While the Pentagon has declined to confirm or deny direct U.S. involvement, American officials have acknowledged an awareness of the explosions and unusual aircraft activity over the Venezuelan capital. Notably, the White House has issued no formal statement regarding the incident, leaving the situation shrouded in ambiguity.
International Alarm and Official Reactions
The scale of the reported attack prompted immediate international concern. Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly warned the world, stating unequivocally that Caracas was under bombardment. He urgently called for the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS) to convene an emergency meeting to address what he framed as a severe breach of sovereignty.
This event marks a major escalation against the government of President Nicolás Maduro, whose regime has long been a target of US sanctions and political pressure. The footage, which also hints at detentions and a possible US military ground presence, suggests a move beyond covert operations to a more direct confrontation.
Unverified Footage and a Fog of War
The primary source of information, for now, remains social media, creating a significant "fog of war." Unverified clips show what appear to be US military personnel and tanks on the streets of Caracas. Reports of widespread power outages add to the narrative of a coordinated, large-scale operation designed to cripple the city's infrastructure and sow confusion.
As the world watches, the lack of official confirmation from Washington creates a volatile information vacuum. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for rapid geopolitical repercussions across Latin America and beyond. The coming hours will be critical in determining the veracity of these reports and the official stance of the United States government.
