Story perspectives

Venezuela Declares Emergency Amid U.S. Military Strikes

1/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nicolás Maduro Moros, President of Venezuela, declared a state of emergency in Caracas on January 3 after explosions attributed to a "military aggression" by the United States.
Eyewitnesses reported smoke rising from military installations and low-flying aircraft.
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Venezuelan military targets, per unnamed US officials cited by media.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the strikes and urged international action, saying Caracas is being bombed.

History

Historical Context

The Venezuelan crisis intensified in 2019 when Nicolás Maduro faced opposition from Juan Guaidó, who was declared interim president by the National Assembly on January 23. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Venezuelan assets exceeding $30 billion, echoing historical interventions like the 1954 Guatemalan coup. This ongoing conflict raises concerns about regional stability, prompting Colombia's President Gustavo Petro to call for global action against U.S. aggression.

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Story summary

Nicolás Maduro Moros, President of Venezuela, declared a state of emergency in Caracas on January 3 after explosions attributed to a "military aggression" by the United States.
Eyewitnesses reported smoke rising from military installations and low-flying aircraft.
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Venezuelan military targets, per unnamed US officials cited by media.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the strikes and urged international action, saying Caracas is being bombed.

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