Venezuela live: Latest updates as seven explosions and low-flying aircrafts heard in Caracas

At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft have been heard in Venezuelas capital Caracas in the early hours of this morning.

  • 03 января 2026, 11:00

At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft have been heard in Venezuelas capital Caracas in the early hours of this morning.

It comes amid Donald Trumps escalating threats against the countrys leader Nicolas Maduro - although the cause of the blasts is yet to be confirmed.  

The explosions are understood to have begun at 1.50am local time with one targeting Fort Tiona, where the Venezuelan ministry of defense is headquartered. 

The southern area of the city, which is near a major military base, has been without electricity. 

Follow our live blog below for the latest updates 

07:55

'The whole ground shook. This is horrible': Witnesses describe blasts

Office worker Carmen Hidalgo, 21, described the moment explosions rocked the Venezuelan capital.

She said: 'The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance.

'We felt like the air was hitting us.'

Picture of fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on January 3, an AFP journalist reported. The explosions come as US President Donald Trump, who has deployed a navy task force to the Caribbean, raised the possibility of ground strikes against Venezuela. (Photo by Luis JAIMES / AFP via Getty Images)

07:45

Pictured: Explosions rock Venezuela

Huge columns of smoke and large explosions could be seen rising above Caracaras in the early hours of this morning.

The blasts came amid growing tensions between Trump and Maduro's regime, with the first military land strike on Venezuela taking place on Christmas Eve.

Multiple sources said the CIA carried out the first US land strike in Venezuela that day on a port facility believed to have been storing drugs bound for America.

Trump confirmed the Christmas Eve strike on Monday, days after he casually discussed in a radio interview the attack on a facility 'where the ship comes from.'

A column of smoke rises during multiple explosions in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Video Obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

A column of smoke rises following an explosion, as the sky is illuminated by another explosion in the distance in the early hours of the morning, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Video Obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

07:41

What has Trump said about Venezuela?

Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela, amid efforts to pressure Maduro to leave office, including expanded sanctions and a ramped-up US military presence in the region.

More than two dozen US strikes have taken place on vessels allegedly involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea in recent months.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House and US Southern Command. The Pentagon declined comment.

07:37

Pictured: Pedestrians flee as blasts rock the city

People in various neighborhoods of Caracas rushed to the streets after aircraft and explosions were heard.

Pedestrians run after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

07:35

Breaking:Explosions heard in Venezuela as thick columns of smoke spark speculation that US has carried out airstrikes

Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke have been heard and seen in the Venezuelan capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning.

'The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance,' said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, her voice trembling.

She was walking briskly with two relatives, returning from a birthday party. 'We felt like the air was hitting us.'

Read the full story below

Explosion heard in Venezuelan capital amid Trump threats to Maduro
Multiple explosions have been reported in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas amid Donald Trump's escalating threats against its leader Nicolas Maduro.

CNN