January 3, 2026
Explosions and exploding comments
Multiple explosions in Venezuela's capital Caracas
Caracas blasts ignite online fury: ‘No justification’ and ‘Is this even legal’
TLDR: Multiple blasts rocked Caracas as CNN reported low-flying aircraft and power outages, while Trump’s earlier threats of strikes loom in the background. Online, outrage flared over morality and legality, with users debating congressional approval, sharing unconfirmed helicopter videos, and accusing the media of selective coverage—stakes that could reshape regional stability.
Caracas woke up to fear and flickering lights after multiple pre-dawn explosions shook the city, with CNN reporting low-flying aircraft and power outages. But the loudest booms were online, where the community erupted. One outraged commenter slammed it as a “war with zero excuse,” accusing institutions of letting it happen, while another went full civics class, asking if the U.S. even has an AUMF — that’s the formal OK from Congress to use military force — to do any of this. Fuel on the fire: commenters pointed to Trump’s recent warnings of strikes “soon” against alleged drug networks and his green light for the CIA to operate inside Venezuela, framing the blasts as the moment words turn into action. Rumors roared as users shared unconfirmed clips of U.S. helicopters over Caracas, with skeptics yelling “fog of war” while doomscrollers hit replay. The media got dragged too; one voice accused CNN of “sleeping” on Iran’s turmoil, calling out selective outrage. It’s a split-screen thread: moral outrage vs. legal nitpicking vs. “wait for facts.” Sprinkled in were gallows-humor quips about “Top Gun: Caracas” and HN turning into a war room. Bottom line: the blasts are real — but the battle over blame, legality, and truth is raging even hotter online.
Key Points
- •CNN team witnessed multiple explosions in Caracas early January 3, 2026.
- •The first blast occurred around 1:50 a.m. local time (0:50 a.m. ET).
- •Parts of Caracas experienced power outages following the blasts.
- •Aircraft sounds were heard, and smoke was seen at La Carlota airport.
- •The report references prior U.S. statements about potential action in Venezuela and CIA operations; CNN requested White House comment.