The USA struck Venezuela: airbase destroyed, Caracas under fire

The USA struck Venezuela: airbase destroyed, Caracas under fire

According to Главком: In the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, shelling has taken place, affecting, among other things, the residence of the Minister of Defense and the port. The U.S. Air Force conducted a second strike on the El Libertador airbase located in Maracay. Residents of Caracas heard explosions on January 3, 2026, indicating an escalation of the situation in the region.

According to information, the shelling of the residence of the Minister of Defense of Venezuela and the port in Caracas is confirmed by a statement from Sky News Arabia. At the same time, American helicopters have been spotted over Caracas, which may indicate further escalation of the conflict. Donald Trump had previously stated his readiness to initiate a ground operation in Venezuela, causing concern among the international community.

Situation in the region and its consequences

As of early January 2026, at least seven large tankers have changed course or stopped in international waters. This concerns, in particular, the Skipper vessel, which was detained in mid-December 2025 on charges of transporting sanctioned oil. The vessel is being held off the coast of Texas with the seizure of 1.8 million barrels of crude. Another vessel, Centuries, flying the flag of Panama, was captured on December 19, 2025.

These events indicate significant changes in the geopolitical situation in the region and possible consequences for international relations.

Tensions in Venezuela, against the backdrop of U.S. military actions, may have far-reaching consequences for the stability of Latin America and relations among states. Attacks on strategic facilities, such as airbases and key infrastructure elements, indicate an escalation of the conflict that requires attention from the international community. Additionally, changes in the movement of tankers reflect the impact of international sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector, which could lead to economic repercussions for the country and its partners.