Explosions Reported Over Capital As FAA Halts Air Traffic; White House Says Only Military and Cartel Sites Were Targeted

Saturday, January 3, 2025, 4:00 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, & Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

CARACAS, VE.- U.S. officials have confirmed that the United States military carried out large-scale airstrikes overnight in Venezuela, targeting military installations in and around the capital city of Caracas, including an airport used by Venezuelan armed forces, as well as locations linked to drug cartel operations, according to senior administration sources.

     The strikes were conducted on the direct orders of President Donald Trump, marking the most significant U.S. military action against Venezuelan targets in modern history.

     Residents in Caracas reported at least seven explosions beginning at approximately 2:00 a.m. local time, accompanied by low-flying aircraft and helicopters operating over portions of the city. Multiple witnesses described loud detonations and sustained aerial activity lasting more than an hour.

     The White House confirmed early Saturday that the operation was limited in scope and strictly focused on military objectives, emphasizing that no civilian or infrastructure targets were struck.

     “All targets were verified military installations or cartel-linked facilities directly involved in narcotics trafficking operations,” a senior U.S. defense official said. “This was a precise and deliberate action.”

Months Of Military Buildup Preceded Strikes;

     The overnight operation follows months of heightened U.S. military activity in and around Venezuela, including the repositioning of naval assets, intelligence surveillance flights, and a series of dozens of U.S. interdiction strikes on drug-smuggling vessels originating from Venezuelan coastal waters.

     U.S. officials have repeatedly accused Venezuelan territory of being used as a major transit hub for international narcotics trafficking, with connections to transnational criminal organizations operating throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and the southern United States.

     Defense officials said Saturday’s strikes were the culmination of intelligence gathered over several months, aimed at disrupting both military infrastructure and drug trafficking networks believed to be operating with protection from elements inside Venezuela.

No Casualties Reported; Venezuelan Military Silent;

     As of early Saturday morning, no casualties have been reported, according to U.S. officials and preliminary monitoring of Venezuelan state media. The Venezuelan military has not issued a public response, and there has been no immediate indication of retaliation.

     International monitoring groups and foreign embassies in the region are reportedly assessing the situation, though no evacuations or emergency advisories have been announced at this time.

FAA Halts All Air Traffic Over Venezuela;

     In a related development, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that all civilian air traffic over Venezuelan airspace was halted at approximately 1:00 a.m. local time, roughly one hour before the first explosions were reported in Caracas.

     The FAA issued a Notice to Air Missions citing an unspecified security risk, effectively grounding commercial flights and rerouting international aircraft away from Venezuelan airspace.

     Aviation safety experts say such action typically signals advanced knowledge of military operations or concerns over potential air defense activity.

Developing International Implications;

     Saturday’s strikes represent a major escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuela, a country that has been mired in political instability, economic collapse, and international sanctions for more than a decade.

     While U.S. officials stressed the operation was not an act of war against the Venezuelan state, analysts warn the strikes could significantly alter regional dynamics and provoke diplomatic responses from Venezuela’s allies.

     The Pentagon has not yet released details on the number of aircraft involved, the duration of the operation, or whether additional actions are planned.

Editor’s Note:

This is a developing story. Englebrook Independent News is actively verifying all incoming information through U.S. government sources, defense officials, aviation authorities, and international monitors. Details will be updated as confirmation becomes available. No independent casualty reports have been verified at the time of publication.