A chilling night in Caracas: The story behind the US raid on Maduro
"The explosions kept echoing through the city..."
In the early hours of January 3rd, residents of Caracas, Venezuela, experienced a terrifying wake-up call. The low rumble of aircraft, a full moon illuminating the dark sky, and then, a series of thunderous explosions shook the city to its core. This was the beginning of one of America's boldest military operations, an event that would leave an indelible mark on the country.
For months, Venezuelans had been living in fear, with US military jets patrolling their coastlines. The tension was palpable, and the threat of military action loomed large. But on this fateful night, the situation took a dramatic turn.
"Hey, is something happening?" a concerned local messaged, awoken by the rolling air strikes. "Here we can hear the planes... the explosions keep going," came the reply, capturing the anxiety of the moment.
US bombers unleashed their first salvo, and eyewitnesses described the terrifying scene. "The windows on my door shook," one resident recalled. "I saw the reflection of the flames, and immediately knew it was a missile impact."
BBC Verify confirmed footage of strikes at multiple sites, including Caracas and neighboring states. The bombardment lasted for approximately 30 minutes, with secondary explosions continuing until just before 4 am, according to a local resident.
"We were all scared and distressed," a young mother shared. "We watched the sky, fearing for our homes."
Over 150 US aircraft were involved in the operation, including fighter jets, bombers, and helicopters. At least three military bases were targeted: Catia La Mar, La Carlota, and Fuerte Tiuna. Dramatic footage reviewed by BBC Verify showed massive explosions and a devastating blaze at the coastal Higuerote Airport.
Justin Crump, an ex-British army officer and CEO of Sibylline, suggested that US forces aimed to confuse and delay any Venezuelan response. The port of La Guaira, the country's second-largest container terminal, was heavily targeted.
Venezuelan officials reported at least 100 fatalities, including 23 military personnel. Tragically, an 80-year-old civilian woman, Rosa González, was killed in her apartment in Catia La Mar when US strikes caused the exterior wall of her building to collapse.
Hours later, US President Donald Trump, surrounded by military commanders, boasted about the operation's success. He claimed that cutting electricity to the city enabled the devastating strikes.
But here's where it gets controversial: the strikes occurred under a full moon, with US officials stating that the weather conditions were just right. NR Jetzen Jones, director of private intelligence company ARES, noted that Western forces typically prefer total darkness for such raids. He suggested that the timing was dictated by access to the target.
Analysts believe the blasts were designed to eliminate Venezuela's air defense systems, with verified images showing the remains of Russian-made launchers. At Higuerote Airport, an image revealed the alleged wreckage of a Buk-M2E SAM system.
As the attack unfolded, President Nicolás Maduro sought shelter with his wife, Cilia Flores. A small CIA team had been inserted into Caracas months prior, monitoring Maduro's every move.
Verified footage showed three helicopters, including a US military Chinook, approaching La Carlota military base. Residents at Fuerte Tiuna reported being awoken by loud explosions, recalling the sight of missiles hitting the mountain.
At 2:01 am, US troops landed and raided the base, seizing Maduro. Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the US Joint Chiefs, did not specify Maduro's exact location, and no footage of the raid has been released.
President Trump described the operation as an "amazing military achievement." Some Caracas residents reacted with anger, while others, fearing repression, dared not speak out in support of Maduro's removal.
"You feel joy, seeing a glimmer of hope for Venezuela's future," one resident shared. "But you can't express it, for fear of arrest."
The aftermath of the raid left Fuerte Tiuna in ruins, with satellite images showing extensive damage.
And this is the part most people miss: the human cost. The lives lost, the families torn apart, and a nation left reeling. It's a reminder that behind every military operation, there are real people, with real stories, and a future forever altered.
What are your thoughts on this controversial raid? Share your opinions in the comments below.
