Unconfirmed reports of U.S. air strikes triggered chaos in Venezuela’s capital Caracas early on Tuesday, with explosions reported at major military installations and the government declaring a nationwide state of emergency. According to accounts circulating in regional media and on social platforms, the attacks began between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., shaking large parts of the city and plunging several neighbourhoods into darkness.
The alleged strikes targeted Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, and the La Carlota airbase. Some reports also claimed the Cuartel de la Montaña, a symbolic site housing the mausoleum of former president Hugo Chávez, was hit. Witnesses cited loud blasts, plumes of smoke rising over the capital, and widespread power outages in southern and western Caracas. By early morning, low-flying helicopters were reportedly still visible over parts of the city.
According to these reports, as many as nine U.S. attack helicopters, including Apache AH-64s and AH-1Z Vipers, were involved, firing rockets and heavy gunfire. Venezuelan authorities have not released independent damage assessments, and there has been no official confirmation from the U.S. military. CBS News was cited by some outlets as saying that former president Donald Trump personally authorised the operation, though no statement has been issued by U.S. officials.
President Nicolás Maduro condemned the alleged strikes, accusing Washington of seeking control over Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources. In a televised address, he announced a nationwide state of emergency and ordered full military mobilisation, calling on the armed forces to defend national sovereignty. The government described the situation as an act of aggression and warned of serious regional consequences.
International reaction began to emerge as the reports spread. Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted on social media that “they are bombing Caracas” and said Venezuela had come under attack. The United Nations had not issued an official response at the time of reporting, and calls for restraint and clarification were growing amid fears of escalation.
With independent verification still lacking and official statements limited, the situation remains fluid. Observers say the conflicting claims underscore the risk of rapid escalation in an already volatile region, while raising urgent questions about the accuracy of the reports and the potential international fallout if the allegations are confirmed.
