Explosions and reported bombings in Caracas and Venezuelan military bases
Images from different angles in Caracas of the explosions and helicopters flying over the city.
Early Saturday morning, several users on the platform X reported explosions and possible military strikes in Caracas and near strategic installations.
Journalist Orlando Avendaño, active on X covering crisis events in Latin America, listed several “verified bombed targets in Venezuela” as of 03:53 a.m. local time:
– Fuerte Tiuna military base (Caracas).
– La Carlota Airport.
– El Volcán area (north Caracas).
– Officer School in La Guaira.
#URGENTE | Helicópteros de EEUU sobrevuelan Caracas. pic.twitter.com/X2pguuUxJ3
— Orlando Avendaño (@OrlvndoA) January 3, 2026
These claims come as independent international sources have reported at least seven explosions heard across Caracas early Saturday, accompanied by reports of low-flying aircraft and power outages in parts of the city amid heightened tensions with the United States.
Social media claims of operations over military bases
On X, Agustín Antonetti, a journalist with a history of commentary on Latin American affairs, shared video clips that he claims show the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) of the US Army on a mission near Fuerte Tiuna, suggesting a possible target linked to senior Venezuelan officials. (Post at 3:28 a.m., 3 Jan 2026).
There is no independent confirmation of the SOAR unit’s presence or the authenticity of the footage, though the content has been widely shared.
Lo que me llega ahora mismo desde Caracas. Me manda @fsingerf pic.twitter.com/IJ5exMYRPN
— Juan Diego Quesada (@jdquesada) January 3, 2026
Caracas eyewitness reports and caution on misinformation
Other users, including Luis Carlos, who covers Venezuelan developments online, described hearing explosions around La Carlota and Fuerte Tiuna and other locations, emphasizing the difficulty of verification due to media restrictions inside Venezuela.
He urged social media users to circulate only verified content while protecting sources’ identities due to platform blocks that limit real-time reporting from within the country.
U.S. issues NOTAM restricting Venezuelan airspace
United States aviation authorities issued a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) prohibiting U.S. civil aircraft from operating at all altitudes within the Maiquetía FIR — Venezuelan airspace covering much of the country. Such notices are typically issued when there are significant safety risks, and have already led to flight cancellations and reroutes by international carriers.
Explosions documented in Caracas
International reporting has noted that on 3 January 2026, multiple explosions were heard in Venezuela’s capital during the early morning, along with reports of low helicopters and aircraft, and outages across parts of Caracas. The incidents occur amidst ongoing tension with the United States, but official confirmation from Venezuelan or US authorities is still pending.
Verification warning
Observers familiar with the flow of information inside Venezuela have cautioned about rapid spread of unverified videos and claims. Given longstanding restrictions on social media and news outlets within the country, analysts recommend careful verification with established international agencies before conclusions can be drawn.
News in development
