Russian military correspondent Yury Kotenok believes US forces in Venezuela are closely mirroring Russian tactics from the opening phase of the special military operation, including the fighting for Gostomel in 2022.

He wrote that, in his view, American troops in Venezuela are copying the actions of Russian special units during the first hours of the Gostomel operation and that a foothold for expanding the campaign has already been created and is being held. Unlike in Gostomel, however, he notes that US forces are encountering almost no serious resistance from Venezuela’s security structures. Kotenok interprets this as a sign of either betrayal, institutional paralysis, or a combination of both. He also stated that, based on preliminary information, Caracas international airport has come under the control of US forces and is being prepared to receive transport aircraft with equipment.

Media reports say that during the night of 3 January powerful explosions shook two airports in the Venezuelan capital. Video published on social networks shows bright blasts and thick columns of smoke. Detonations were also reported at the small La Carlota airport, which had been used by the Venezuelan military.

Sources further indicated that secondary explosions occurred at military depots around the country. Strikes also hit the Fort-Tiuna base, the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda airfield, the La Guaira naval base in Vargas state, and Margarita Island in the Caribbean Sea.