Breaking News: Explosions heard in Venezuela's capital! 'US helicopters spotted'

In Venezuela, where tensions with the US have risen recently, a series of explosions were heard in the capital, Caracas.

While thick smoke was seen rising from different parts of the city, it was reported that helicopters belonging to the US Marine Corps were spotted in the sky.

Local sources reported that at least seven separate explosions were recorded across the city, and information was shared that power had been cut in the southern parts of the city.

EXPLOSIONS NEAR MILITARY BASE

Al Jazeera reporter Lucia Newman reported that the explosions took place around the Fortuna base, one of the most important military facilities in Caracas.

Newman stated, "Fortuna is an important military base there. A series of explosions were heard across the region, followed by a power outage."

INTENSE ACTIVITY IN THE SKY

Following the explosions, numerous helicopters and aircraft were observed flying over Caracas, and thick smoke was seen rising from the areas that were struck. It is reported that security measures have been increased in the city.

The explosions occurred at a time when US President Donald Trump had brought up the possibility of ground operations against Venezuela following the deployment of a naval task force to the Caribbean.

According to US officials speaking to CBS, the attack on military bases in Venezuela was carried out on the orders of US President Donald Trump.

FIRST STATEMENT FROM VENEZUELA

In the first statement made by Venezuela following the attacks, the phrase "We reject US aggression" was used. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has declared a national state of emergency.

TRUMP: MADURO AND HIS WIFE CAPTURED

US President Donald Trump announced, "We have removed Maduro and his wife from the country."

Trump's statement is as follows:

"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Further details will be provided later. A press conference will be held at Mar-a-Lago today at 11:00 AM. Thank you for your interest in this matter!"

"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.… pic.twitter.com/sFa5OC4ZrZ

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026

“DELTA FORCE” CONDUCTED THE OPERATION

US-based CBS News reported that the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was carried out by elite special forces known as "Delta."

Delta Force had previously taken part in the critical operation in 2019 in which ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed.

GAVE AN INTERVIEW AFTER THE OPERATION

US President Donald Trump, who gave a brief phone interview to The New York Times, expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the operation. Trump stated, "Very good planning, a lot of great soldiers and great people. Actually, it was a perfect operation."

Trump limited his response to questions about whether authorization had been requested from Congress and what the next steps regarding Venezuela would be by saying he would address these topics at a press conference he would hold at Mar-a-Lago in the morning.

BAN ON VENEZUELAN AIRSPACE

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it has banned American commercial aircraft from flying in Venezuelan airspace at any altitude, citing security risks "linked to ongoing military activity."

"WE DO NOT KNOW WHERE MADURO AND HIS WIFE ARE"

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated in a press conference that they do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Rodriguez indicated that the government is demanding proof that they are alive.

VENEZUELA-US TENSION

While the exact cause of the explosions has not yet been clarified, all eyes have turned to the Washington administration. The Trump administration frequently states that they are "at war" with drug cartels operating in the Caribbean region.

Since September 2025, US forces have conducted numerous operations against boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific. Trump had also accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of running a drug cartel.

MADURO’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE

On the other hand, speaking to Venezuelan state television before the 2026 New Year, Nicolas Maduro had given notable messages regarding the US. Stating that they were extending an "olive branch" to Trump, Maduro had expressed that if the US were interested in Venezuelan oil, the doors for investment would be open to American companies.