U.S. forces conducted airstrikes and helicopter attacks on Cuartel de la Montaña, resting place of Hugo Chávez's remains, and the port of La Guaira near Caracas between 7:45:30 a.m. and 8:15:17 a.m. UTC on January 3, 2026, according to videos shared on X by @limondar0, @hoje_no, @Osinttechnical, and @sentdefender, as the Venezuelan government denounced the attacks and activated defense plans. The Venezuelan government issued a statement in the reporting window accusing the U.S. of attacking civilian and military installations across multiple states and calling for popular mobilization to defeat the aggression, per posts citing the official declaration by @AlertaNews24 and @michaelh992. An NBC reporter in Venezuela reported ongoing minor explosions, overhead planes, and intense flashes visible from Fort Tiuna military base, according to @FaytuksNetwork. Associated Press confirmed the government's accusations with no immediate U.S. response. Footage showed U.S. helicopters, including a possible AH-1Z Viper and an attack helicopter using rockets and autocannon, engaging ground targets near Caracas, as posted by @Osinttechnical and @sentdefender. Two U.S. officials told CBS News that President Donald J. Trump authorized land strikes days earlier, with plans discussed for Christmas Day but delayed due to Nigeria operations and weather, reported by @sentdefender and @JenniferJJacobs. These developments follow reports in the prior half-hour of strikes on Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López's residence and U.S. ground troop activity in Caracas, per previous X posts. Conviasa aircraft were tracked outside Venezuela en route to Moscow, Cancun, and Iran, according to @flightradar24. Maduro remains alive, while Diosdado Cabello's status is unknown, stated @agusantonetti.
