Venezuela has been plunged into a severe crisis after its President, Nicolás Maduro, declared a State of Emergency and ordered a full national mobilisation. The drastic move comes in response to what the Venezuelan government describes as a "grave military aggression" by the United States.
US Military Action Triggers Emergency
According to an official statement from Venezuela's Foreign Ministry, the United States military carried out attacks overnight on January 3, 2026. The government alleges that these strikes targeted locations in the capital, Caracas, and its surrounding regions. Caracas has condemned the action, calling it a blatant violation of international law and a direct threat to peace in the entire region.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro did not hesitate to point the finger at Washington, accusing the US of an act of war against Venezuelan territory. In response to the alleged incursion, he activated the nation's Defence Command and sent troops to key positions.
Social Media Footage Shows Military Buildup
Circulating videos and images on social media platforms appear to support claims of heightened military activity within Venezuela. The footage shows:
- Armoured vehicles and tanks deployed on the streets of Caracas.
- Increased movement of military personnel and equipment around vital installations.
- A state of apparent alert and tension in the capital city.
This visual evidence has fueled global concern about the escalating situation, though independent verification of the events is ongoing.
Regional and Global Implications
The declaration of a State of Emergency and the reports of foreign military action mark one of the most serious escalations in US-Venezuela relations in years. The move by Maduro to mobilise the nation fully indicates that Caracas is preparing for a potential prolonged confrontation.
The alleged US strikes, linked by Venezuelan media to the Trump administration, have raised immediate questions about the legality and motive behind such an operation. This incident threatens to destabilise not just Venezuela but the broader Latin American region, potentially drawing in other global powers. The international community is likely to watch closely for official statements from Washington and reactions from bodies like the United Nations.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on the safety of civilians in affected areas and the potential for further military or diplomatic clashes between the two nations.
