Key Highlights
- President Trump ordered military strikes on sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities.
- The U.S. has carried out more than 30 boat strikes and seized two oil tankers in the Caribbean since September.
- Maduro accused the U.S. of “very serious military aggression” and called for an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
- Trump administration accuses Maduro of drug trafficking and working with designated terrorist organizations, which Maduro denies.
U.S. Launches Military Strikes on Venezuela: Escalation in Regional Tensions
On January 3, 2026, at the early hours of Saturday morning, President Donald Trump ordered military strikes targeting sites within Venezuela, including various military facilities. According to U.S. officials, these actions were part of an escalating campaign against the Maduro regime. This comes after months of increased U.S. military presence in the region, with the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and numerous other warships positioned strategically.
Background and Escalation
The Trump administration has been intensifying its pressure on Venezuela through a combination of naval operations and intelligence gathering. As early as September 2025, the U.S. military began conducting more than 30 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. These operations have resulted in over 110 casualties. The first such attack on September 2 sparked additional controversy when it emerged that follow-up strikes targeted survivors from the initial operation.
International Reactions
The Venezuelan government denounced these U.S. actions as a “very serious military aggression” and called for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez also condemned the strikes, labeling them “criminal attacks by the U.S.” and urging international condemnation.
President Trump’s Intentions
President Trump has repeatedly warned that the U.S. could escalate its operations to include land-based strikes. He stated during a December 2 Cabinet meeting, “We’re going to start doing those strikes on land, too.” This follows previous threats of such an escalation, which the administration claims is aimed at combating drug trafficking and addressing alleged ties between the Maduro regime and international criminal organizations.
Maduro’s Response
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has maintained his grip on power despite a disputed 2024 election. In an interview with Venezuelan state TV earlier this week, he expressed openness to talks with the U.S. regarding drug trafficking, oil and migration issues. However, he also accused the U.S. of seeking regime change and said, “What are they seeking?
It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force.”
The international community remains divided over these military actions, with some viewing them as necessary for combating drug trafficking, while others see them as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be crucial for all parties involved to navigate this complex geopolitical landscape.
