Venezuela declares state of emergency over US 'attack'

Follow here for the latest developments on Saturday, January 3, 2026: Photos emerged on Saturday showing soldiers and armored vehicles near the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas, amid the explosions.

The forces seemed to be guarding the palace.

Other photos appeared to show residents evacuating a building near the palace, also following the explosions.

The Venezuelan government said in a statement early Saturday that it rejects "military aggression" by the US.

Attacks took place in the capital, Caracas, and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, the statement said.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a national emergency in response to the US attacks and called on social and political forces to "activate mobilization plans."

The US has not yet officially commented on the explosions.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said in a pretaped interview aired Thursday that the US wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through its current military campaign.

The Trump administration has dialed up pressure on the Maduro regime by applying numerous tactics including carrying out strikes on drug boats and ordering a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers transiting to or from Venezuela.

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Venezuela's government declared a state of emergency after it accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states early Saturday morning.

At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2 a.m. local time Saturday in the capital, Caracas.

US broadcaster CBS first reported that US President Donald Trump approved land strikes on Venezuela days before Saturday morning's attacks.

Military officials were ready to conduct the operation on Christmas, but US airstrikes in Nigeria, as well as unfavorable weather conditions, delayed the mission, CBS added.

Loud noises and low-flying aircraft were ‍heard in the Venezuelan ⁠capital, Caracas, ‌in ‌the ⁠early hours of ‍Saturday morning, according ​to ​witnesses cited by international agencies. The southern area of ‍the city, ​near a major ⁠military ​base, was ‌without electricity.

US President Donald Trump has for months threatened that he could order strikes on Venezuelan land. The US military has conducted dozens of strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in international waters. The US has also seized Venezuelan oil tankers.

Trump this week appeared to confirm a clandestine US operation at a remote dock on the coast of Venezuela.

Thanks for joining us as we report on explosions and low-flying planes heard over the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, early on Saturday morning.

The explosions come following months of threats from US President Donald Trump that he could order strikes on Venezuelan territory after carrying out dozens of strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in international waters.