11:45
US officials said President Donald Trump ordered strikes on sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities, early on January 3, according to sources cited by CBS News.
In a post on X, CBS News senior White House correspondent Jennifer Jacobs reported that officials within the Trump administration have been monitoring the situation but have not yet issued an official public statement, Caliber.Az reports.
"Trump administration officials are aware of reports of explosions and aircraft over Venezuela's capital Caracas early this morning, sources tell @CBSNews," the journalist wrote.
11:36
A US Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker aerial-refuelling aircraft has appeared on flight-tracking data south of Puerto Rico, according to aviation monitors, adding to speculation as reports continue to emerge of explosions and possible airstrikes in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.
The KC-135R is a long-range refuelling aircraft typically used to support fighter jets, bombers and surveillance planes, Business Upturn reports.
11:31
Martial law has been declared in Caracas and several other cities in Venezuela following multiple strikes on the capital.
According to sources from Military Observer, Venezuelan military forces have been ordered to detain anyone found near critical infrastructure, including government buildings, military bases, and key utilities. Witnesses report heavy military patrols in the streets, with armoured vehicles seen surrounding key locations across the city.
Preliminary reports claims that Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López has been killed in a targeted US airstrike on his residence in Caracas.
11:26
The United States has issued an emergency directive banning all US civil and commercial aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace, citing growing safety concerns following explosions and rising tensions in the capital, Caracas.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the flight restriction, effective from 0600Z, applies to all aircraft at any altitude. This includes both passenger flights and cargo operations, Caliber.Az reports via Business Upturn.
The FAA's decision follows reports of multiple explosions and intense military activity in Caracas. Al Jazeera, Reuters, and the Associated Press have confirmed that the blasts, along with the sound of low-flying aircraft, have been heard in the vicinity of a major military base in the city. Local authorities have also reported widespread power outages.
According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, no commercial aircraft are currently visible over Venezuelan airspace. The FAA typically issues such advisories to ensure the safety of commercial aviation during periods of instability.
11:20
Russian Telegram channels have reported that Venezuelan army units have been deployed on the streets of Caracas. Armoured vehicles have been reportedly sighted near the residence of President Nicolás Maduro.
At the same time, Sky News Arabia claims that the Venezuelan defence minister's home and a key port in the capital have been shelled in a series of targeted strikes.
11:14
Explosions and military activity were heard in and around Venezuela’s capital early on January 3, including reported strikes on Venezuelan military targets, the La Guaira military base and Iguarote Airport in eastern Caracas.
Social media footage shows damage at both sites, while some reports claiming US Marines have landed on northern Venezuelan islands in the Caribbean Sea, Caliber.Az reports.
Footage of the aftermath of the reported US strike on the La Guaira military base.
Footage of the aftermath of the reported US strikes on targets at Iguarote Airport in eastern Caracas.
At this time, no official statements have been issued by Venezuelan or US authorities, and no confirmed information about casualties or damage has been released.
11:04
Reports emerged early on January 3 of a series of explosions in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, amid alleged strikes on military infrastructure. Sources indicate that key targets may have included Fort Tiuna and the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda airbase.
Eyewitnesses and social media posts informed of powerful blasts and smoke in several parts of the city, with some neighbourhoods experiencing temporary power outages, Caliber.Az reports.
Video footage circulating online shows explosions and aircraft activity over Caracas.
Airplanes, loud noises and at least one column of smoke were being heard and seen in Caracas, according to Reuters witnesses, and the southern area of the city, near a major military base, was without electricity.
Additionally, a CNN team witnessed several explosions during the night in Caracas, and reported that some areas of the city were without electricity.
“One was so strong, my window was shaking after it,” CNNE correspondent Osmary Hernandez said.
The specific type of weapons used in the strikes has not been confirmed, though some sources have mentioned that high-precision RGM-109E cruise missiles and, possibly, AGM-86D missiles were used in the strikes.
Witnesses reported that the first explosion occurred around 1:50 a.m. local time, with some residents describing strong blasts that shook buildings.
As of publication, there have been no official statements from Venezuelan or US authorities regarding the attacks, and no reports of casualties or damage have been released.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had warned of potential military action in Venezuela as part of efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The US has previously increased its military presence in the region and imposed sanctions, alongside actions targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
By Sabina Mammadli
