AP reports U.S. strikes in Venezuela amid operation targeting Maduro

According to an AP account of its breaking coverage, reporters in Venezuela heard explosions and then confirmed at least seven strike locations soon after reports of U.S. attacks on military and strategic targets. The initial reporting centered on Caracas and nearby areas, with visuals indicating smoke over parts of the city. AP says its teams worked quickly to verify user-generated videos and other footage showing blasts near key locations, while correspondents and visual journalists provided additional context from the region, including along the Colombia–Venezuela border. The story quickly became a global flashpoint because it combines military action, leadership change stakes, and regional security concerns. Beyond the immediate damage and casualties, the operation raises questions about what comes next for Venezuela’s governance and for international recognition of competing political factions. With information still developing, the key near-term issues include confirmation of targets and casualties, the Venezuelan government’s response, and whether the crisis expands into broader instability or triggers new diplomatic efforts across the Americas and beyond.

09.01.2026

https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/best-of-the-week/first-winner/2026/aps-speed-collaboration-contribute-to-newsbreaks-in-first-hours-of-us-attack-on-venezuela/