Jets and blasts shake Venezuelan capital
On January 3, 2026, Venezuela reported military operations by the U.S. targeting its capital, Caracas, and surrounding states, attributing the strikes to escalating tensions following a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. The Venezuelan government condemned these actions as severe aggression, while the Pentagon and Southern Command refrained from commenting. This incident follows a series of U.S. attacks on alleged drug-trafficking vessels, with officials asserting the operations aimed to curb illegal narcotics flows. Bipartisan criticism has emerged regarding the legality and transparency of the strikes, raising concerns about potential violations of international human rights law. The situation continues to evolve as implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations deepen and the broader geopolitical landscape is scrutinized.
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The U.S. military operations began after President Trump's threats against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
A substantial U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean has included multiple guided missile destroyers and the USS Gerald R. Ford, indicating a strategic military posture against Venezuela.
Since September, the U.S. military has conducted attacks on at least 35 vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, resulting in over 115 fatalities, predominantly among Venezuelans.
Critics, including members of Congress and legal experts, have raised alarms about the strikes being extrajudicial killings, lacking sufficient intelligence or justification.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly criticized the previous Biden administration's approach to drug trafficking, emphasizing the necessity of aggressive military action to secure U.S. borders.
Senator Brian Schatz has voiced concerns that there are no significant national interests at stake in Venezuela, suggesting that the U.S. risks entering another conflict without clear justification.
Trump has portrayed Maduro's government as akin to a 'narco-terrorist' organization, further justifying the military actions under the guise of combating drug-related crime.