The United States launched military strikes against targets inside Venezuela on direct orders from President Donald Trump in a significant escalation of pressure against the government of Nicolás Maduro, U.S. officials with knowledge of the operation confirmed to CBS News.
The actions, executed early Saturday, mark one of the most tense episodes in the bilateral relationship in recent years and come after months of U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean.
US launches attacks in Venezuela, according to CBS
At this moment (3am) Venezuela just bombed La Carlota Air Base… pic.twitter.com/wr6nhxE9cj
– Edgar Vivas Gallardo (@eviga17) January 3, 2026
According to official sources quoted by CBS News, the attacks included military installations inside Venezuelan territory.
Although the U.S. government has not publicly released a full list of targets or the exact extent of the damage, officials indicated that these were carefully planned ground attacks approved by President Trump several days prior to their execution.
The same sources pointed out that the Pentagon had evaluated carrying out the operation on December 25, but that window was discarded due to the fact that on that day the United States prioritized airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria.
Subsequently, weather conditions delayed the operation until the weather was deemed favorable to ensure the success of the mission.
Military context and Washington’s accusations
🇻🇪🇺🇸‼️ – BOMBINGS CONTINUE IN CARACAS.
THE DAY OF LIBERATION OF VENEZUELA HAS ARRIVED.pic.twitter.com/G5sbsbsqAUDK
– Agustín Antonetti (@agusantonetti) January 3, 2026
The attacks follow a sustained strengthening of the U.S. military presence in the region, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and other warships in the Caribbean.
In recent weeks, the U.S. also seized two oil tankers off the Venezuelan coast and executed lethal strikes against more than 30 vessels that the Trump administration claims were carrying drugs.
The U.S. president himself recently stated that “the dock area where they load the drug boats” had been attacked, as part of an offensive against what Washington describes as a drug trafficking network with state links.
The White House accuses Maduro of participating in drug trafficking and collaborating with criminal organizations designated as terrorists, accusations that the Venezuelan government strongly rejects.
In previous statements, Trump avoided specifying what his ultimate goal was with this campaign, but warned that if Maduro “plays hardball, it will be the last time he can do it,” a phrase that raised international concern about a possible direct confrontation.
Maduro’s stance and the regional impact
Footage of one explosion during the strike tonight in Caracas.pic.twitter.com/YLdAQTexFH https://t.co/IWYB2bcnVK
– SA Defense (@SA_Defense) January 3, 2026
In contrast to Washington’s tone, Nicolás Maduro affirmed this week that he is willing to dialogue with the United States on key issues such as drug trafficking, oil and migration, “wherever and whenever they want”, according to statements released by the president himself.
For the Hispanic community living in the United States, this conflict has direct implications.
Millions of Venezuelans reside in the country and maintain family, economic and migratory ties with Venezuela.
A military escalation could impact migration policies, economic sanctions, oil prices and the flow of people seeking refuge.
Uncertainty and expectations
At the time of going to press, the Defense Department has not given a detailed press conference, and Washington is expected to expand on the operation in the coming hours.
Analysts warn that these attacks represent a turning point in U.S. strategy towards Venezuela and could redefine the security balance in the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, the situation continues to develop and the world is watching closely to see whether this offensive will lead to further military action, diplomatic negotiations or further escalation between the two countries.
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