The US military's daring operation in Venezuela, marked by the phrase 'The explosions keep going', was a strategic air strike that unfolded under the cover of darkness. On the night of January 3rd, as the moon illuminated the sky, US aircraft began their stealthy approach to Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. The low rumble of their engines signaled the impending arrival of a formidable force.
The air strikes commenced around 01:55 local time, with dozens of US aircraft descending upon the city. The residents of Caracas were startled by the thunderous explosions and flames that erupted across the city. This operation was a culmination of months of escalating tensions, with US jets patrolling the coast, a constant reminder of the looming threat.
Text messages exchanged between locals during the raid provide a glimpse into their shock and disbelief. One message reads, 'Hey, is something happening?' to which another replies, 'I don't know... but I'm here at home. It sounded really loud. Here we can hear the planes. OK, we'll stay alert here. Here the planes are intense and the explosions keep going.'
The US bombers unleashed their initial attack around 01:57, as confirmed by an eyewitness. The impact was immense; windows shook, and residents were awestruck by the sight of flames and the sound of explosions. Footage, verified by BBC Verify, showed strikes at seven sites around Caracas and neighboring states, lasting approximately 30 minutes. However, secondary explosions continued until shortly before 04:00, according to a Caracas resident.
The operation involved over 150 aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and helicopters, according to US officials. At least three military bases - Catia La Mar, La Carlota, and Fuerte Tiuna - were targeted. Dramatic footage reviewed by BBC Verify depicted massive explosions and a blazing fire at the coastal Higuerote Airport. The La Carlota military base and the Higuerote Airport were among the sites hit.
Justin Crump, CEO of Sibylline and a former British army officer, suggested that the US forces may have intended to confuse Venezuelan forces and delay any response. The port of La Guaira, the country's second-largest container terminal, was heavily targeted. Venezuelan officials reported at least 100 deaths, including 23 military personnel.
Among the victims was Rosa González, an 80-year-old civilian woman, who was killed in her apartment in Catia La Mar when US strikes damaged the exterior wall of the three-story building near Caracas airport. Another 45-year-old woman was reportedly killed in the El Volcán area, southeast of Caracas.
Hours after the strikes, US President Donald Trump addressed the operation at his Mar-a-Lago resort, surrounded by military commanders and top advisers. He claimed that cutting electricity to the city facilitated the subsequent devastating strikes. Unusually, the strikes occurred under a full moon, with US officials citing favorable weather conditions.
NR Jetzen Jones, director of ARES, a private intelligence company, noted that Western forces typically prefer conducting such raids in total darkness. He suggested that the timing of the raid was influenced by other factors, most likely access to the target. Analysts confirmed that the blasts were designed to neutralize Venezuela's air defense systems, which had cost the country billions in Russian-made technology.
As the attack commenced, President Nicolás Maduro was in hiding with his wife, Cilia Flores, frequently changing locations. However, a small CIA team had been inserted into Caracas months earlier, monitoring Maduro's movements, residence, travel, and daily activities. US Joint Chiefs chair, Gen. Dan Caine, revealed this intelligence operation.
Footage verified by BBC Verify showed three helicopters, including a Chinook, approaching Fuerte Tiuna base at around 01:58. Multiple fires were visible in the clip. Three other clips depicted an attack helicopter opening fire on a target near the base. Residents at Fuerte Tiuna reported being awoken by loud explosions and witnessing missiles that resembled laser beams.
At 02:01, US troops landed and raided the base, seizing Maduro, according to Gen. Caine. He did not disclose Maduro's exact location, and officials have not released footage of the raid. Trump claimed that Maduro attempted to flee to a safe room within the Fuerte Tiuna complex but was stopped by Delta Force troops.
Gen. Caine informed reporters that US forces exited Venezuelan airspace by 03:29 local time. The US forces suffered no fatalities, although one helicopter was damaged by fire. Satellite images taken on Sunday revealed extensive damage to Fuerte Tiuna, with many buildings reduced to rubble.
Once Maduro was in custody, he was transported to the USS Iwo Jima, an assault ship operating in the Caribbean for months. President Trump hailed the operation as an 'amazing military achievement'.
The aftermath of the raid elicited mixed reactions from Caracas residents. Some expressed anger at the US raid, while others, who may have supported Maduro's removal, feared speaking out due to years of repression. One resident said, 'You feel joy because you see the light at the end of the tunnel, that Venezuela will have a change for the better. But not being able to express it or shout it, celebrate... because you can be arrested.'
