- The United States conducted missile and air strikes on Caracas, targeting air defense systems, an airport, military aircraft, a naval vessel, and government facilities linked to Venezuela’s leadership.
- U.S. officials acknowledged reports of explosions without confirmation, while Colombia’s president said Caracas was being bombed and called for an emergency United Nations meeting as Venezuela issued no immediate response.
The United States carried out missile and air strikes against Caracas and surrounding areas on Friday, targeting Venezuelan air defense systems, an airport, military aircraft, and government facilities linked to the country’s leadership, according to multiple officials and regional statements.
The attacks hit air defense systems in the capital region, struck an airport near Caracas, and destroyed fighter aircraft inside their hangars, according to initial reports from local sources. A Venezuelan military vessel was also destroyed in the port of Caracas, while buildings associated with the Ministry of Defense and the residence of President Nicolás Maduro were reported hit during the strikes.
U.S. officials acknowledged awareness of reports of explosions and aircraft activity over the Venezuelan capital but did not provide confirmation or operational details. Trump administration officials said they were aware of the reports, sources told CBS News, adding that there was no immediate response to requests for comment from the White House. Venezuelan authorities also issued no immediate public statement following the reported strikes.
In neighboring Colombia, President Gustavo Petro said in a social media post that someone was “bombing Caracas in this moment,” without identifying the attacker. In a separate statement, he said, “Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela bombing with missiles,” and called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations.
Local reports also described the presence of transport and assault helicopters over Caracas, alongside claims of street fighting involving U.S. troops and Venezuelan security forces.
The reported targets suggest a coordinated strike aimed at Venezuela’s integrated air defense network and key military infrastructure. Air defense systems around Caracas form the core of the country’s ability to protect the capital and senior leadership from aerial attack. Strikes on airfields and aircraft inside hangars would limit Venezuela’s ability to launch or sustain air operations, while the destruction of a naval vessel in port points to an effort to neutralize maritime assets close to the capital.
Buildings linked to the Ministry of Defense and the presidential residence are among the most sensitive sites in Venezuela’s security architecture. Attacks on such locations indicate a focus on command, control, and leadership nodes rather than dispersed field units. No casualty figures were released, and there was no immediate confirmation of damage assessments from either side.
The United States has not publicly outlined the legal basis, objectives, or scope of the operation. Without official statements, details about the duration of the strikes, the platforms used, and whether further actions are planned remain undisclosed.