By Chris Gilbert
January 3, 2026
Introduction:
Read more here: https://www.counterpunch.org/2026/01/0 ... olution/(Counterpunch) The U.S. armed forces bombed Venezuela from approximately 2:00 to 2:45 a.m. on January 3. At least seven sites in the greater Caracas area were affected, as well as locations in Aragua State and the coastal city of Higuerote in Miranda State. Both military personnel and civilians were killed, including children. Infrastructure damage is significant. Some parts of the city lost power, but as of Sunday morning electricity has been fully restored.
What has occurred is a grave violation of international law and of Venezuela’s sovereignty. In the course of the attack, President Nicolás Maduro was kidnapped and taken to the United States. This happened despite fierce resistance from his security team. The entire inner circle stood their ground and died fighting. U.S. forces also abducted President Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores.
Among the first to address the public after the bombings was Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. Speaking on national television early in the morning, he assured the country that the military remains loyal to President Maduro and is in control of the situation. He called on the population to remain calm.
Indeed, there has been an impressive sense of calm in the city. This was evident from the first hours of the morning and throughout the day. There have been no demonstrations on the part of the opposition. Instead, people have mobilized in defense of the government, the President, and the revolution. A major rally took place near Miraflores Palace, where speakers—including Miranda State Governor Elio Serrano and parliamentarians Blanca Eekhout, Oliver Rivas, and Tania Díaz—defended President Maduro, denounced his kidnapping, and called for international solidarity with Venezuela and its revolution.
A key event of the day was the 3:00 p.m. press conference by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who, according to Venezuelan constitutional law, currently heads the government. The vice president appeared on national television alongside all key members of the cabinet, including Padrino López, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil.
