STORY: Explosions, loud noises and columns of smoke were heard and seen in the Venezuelan capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday (January 3) morning, according to Reuters witnesses, and the southern area of the city, near a major military base, was without electricity.

Video obtained by Reuters showed multiple blasts lighting up the night sky in the distance, followed by loud explosions and columns of smoke rising.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela, amid efforts to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to leave office, including expanded sanctions, a ramped-up U.S. military presence in the region and more than two dozen strikes on vessels allegedly involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: CARACAS, VENEZUELA (JANUARY 3, 2026) (VIDEO OBTAINED BY REUTERS - Access all) (NIGHT SHOTS)

1. (ORIGINALLY SHOT IN PORTRAIT) HELICOPTERS FLYING OVER EXPLOSIONS

2. LOUD RUMBLING HEARD FROM HOUSE

3. (ORIGINALLY SHOT IN PORTRAIT) EXPLOSIONS, SMOKE COLUMNS RISING

4. (ORIGINALLY SHOT IN PORTRAIT) MULTIPLE EXPLOSIONS

5. (ORIGINALLY SHOT IN PORTRAIT) PLUMES OF SMOKE RISING