After months of tension and escalation, the United States launched an attack on Venezuela overnight. At 07:00 Italian time (around 02:00 local time), 7 large explosions shook the capital Caracas - likely the result of air-delivered munitions striking military installations and government sites.

Among the targets reportedly hit were La Carlota air base, the Fuerte Tiuna military complex, and the residence of Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López. The latter was initially believed to have been killed in the strike, but minutes later he appeared in a video posted on social media, personally condemning the attacks. Several ammunition depots were also reportedly struck, triggering massive secondary explosions.

Some videos circulating online appear to show AH-1Z VIPER attack helicopters engaging military installations in the heart of the capital, while another raid was documented against the strategic port of La Guaira. In additional footage released shortly after the start of the attack, what appear to be CH-47 CHINOOK heavy transport helicopters, escorted by AH-64 APACHE attack helicopters, can also be seen - suggesting possible infiltration operations for subsequent targeted ground raids, potentially directed at Venezuela’s political leadership.

In this regard, in a post published on his social platform Truth, President Donald Trump announced that Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and successfully exfiltrated from the country.

Overall, US military action reportedly affected four regions of Venezuela: Vargas, Miranda, Nueva Esparta, and Aragua. Other military sites and installations said to have been struck during the raids include, in addition to La Carlota air base, Fuerte Tiuna, and the Federal Legislative Palace, the Barquisimeto military airfield (home base of Venezuelan F-16s), Higuerote airfield (pictured), and a major communications complex in the El Volcán / El Hatillo area.

At present, according to available information, Caracas’ Simón Bolívar International Airport is reportedly under US military control. Furthermore, local sources have confirmed that raids also struck Porlamar airport on Margarita Island.

During the attack, there appears to have been no substantial response from the Venezuelan Armed Forces. On the contrary, according to reports and videos emerging on Telegram and X, most of the troops stationed at Fuerte Tiuna reportedly fled the base and went into hiding.

Since last summer, the United States has deployed a significant military posture in the Caribbean area, centred on bases in Puerto Rico - Roosevelt Roads, Fort Buchanan, and Muñiz Air National Guard Base - and on a naval task force including the USS IWO JIMA Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), composed of the LHD IWO JIMA and 2 SAN ANTONIO-class LPDs, 2 TICONDEROGA-class cruisers, 3 ARLEIGH BURKE-class destroyers, and the USS GERALD FORD carrier strike group.

What has been observed so far therefore appears to be an operation aimed at realigning Venezuela within the perimeter defined by the so-called Trump Doctrine, effectively a re-edition of the Monroe Doctrine.

Updates to follow in the coming hours.

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