On the early morning of January 3rd, explosions were heard in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, and local air defense alarms sounded. Subsequently, explosions were reported at a military base in Maracaibo and at airports in La Guaira and Miranda states. Witnesses filmed multiple helicopters, suspected to be US “Chinook” models, flying low over Caracas. Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later stated that the current US administration had carried out an extremely serious military aggression against Venezuelan territory and its people. The current round of US bombings on Venezuela has now concluded, lasting approximately one hour. Trump stated that the US had successfully carried out strikes on Venezuela, capturing Maduro and his wife and removing them from the country.

Caracas

Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, founded in 1567 by Spanish conquistador Diego de Losada. Historically a key colonial administrative and economic center, it became the birthplace of Simón Bolívar and a focal point for South America’s independence movement in the early 19th century. Today, it is a major metropolitan and cultural hub, though it faces significant modern economic and political challenges.

Maracaibo

Maracaibo is a major port city in northwestern Venezuela, situated on the western shore of Lake Maracaibo. Founded in 1529, it is one of the oldest cities in South America and grew immensely in wealth and importance following the discovery of vast oil reserves in the lake basin in the early 20th century. The city is also known for the unique phenomenon of the Catatumbo lightning, a near-constant electrical storm visible over the lake.

La Guaira

La Guaira is the main port city of Venezuela, located just north of the capital, Caracas, along the Caribbean coast. Historically, it served as a critical gateway for Spanish colonial trade and was frequently targeted by pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it is a major commercial hub and the site of the country’s principal international airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport.

Miranda

“Miranda” most commonly refers to the Miranda Castle (Château de Noisy), a 19th-century neo-Gothic castle in the Belgian Ardennes. Built in 1866 by the English architect Edward Milner for the Liedekerke-De Beaufort family, it served as a private residence and later a children’s holiday camp before being abandoned in 1991. Despite its striking appearance and popularity with urban explorers, the castle was demolished in 2017.