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Venezuela Accuses U.S. of Drone Attacks

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. 1/18/venezuela-accuses-u-s-of-drone-attacks.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 0:48 GMT by Las Vegas Review-Journal

Caracas, Venezuela - January 18th, 2026 - Venezuela is alleging a series of drone attacks targeting military and civilian infrastructure across multiple states, directly accusing the United States of orchestrating the assaults. The claims, made public Sunday, have been swiftly and vehemently denied by the U.S. government, sparking a new surge in already fraught relations between the two nations.

The Venezuelan military reported that drone attacks occurred in the states of Zulia, Falcon, Yaracuy, and Nueva Esparta. General Domingo Hernandez, chief of Venezuela's Strategic Operations Command, stated that the military possesses evidence confirming the use of drones in these attacks. While specifics regarding the nature of the installations targeted and the extent of any damage remain unclear, the Venezuelan government is portraying the incidents as a direct violation of its sovereignty and a serious threat to national security.

Responding to these grave accusations, the U.S. State Department issued a formal statement dismissing the allegations as "completely false and without merit." A spokesperson emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to respecting Venezuelan sovereignty and explicitly denied any involvement in the purported attacks. The statement underscored a stance of non-interference, a common refrain from Washington in response to Venezuela's frequent accusations.

The timing of these accusations is particularly significant, occurring amidst a period of heightened political and economic tension between Venezuela and the United States. Venezuela, under the leadership of President Nicolas Maduro, continues to face substantial international pressure regarding its human rights record and concerns over democratic backsliding. The socialist government's policies, including increasingly authoritarian measures and a crumbling economy, have drawn criticism from numerous international bodies. In response, the U.S. has implemented a series of sanctions targeting Venezuelan officials and entities, further straining the relationship.

President Maduro has publicly accused the United States of actively seeking to destabilize his government, painting the alleged drone attacks as a calculated effort to undermine his regime. He has called for an immediate international investigation into the incidents, urging nations to condemn what he characterizes as an egregious violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. Maduro's accusations tap into a longstanding narrative within the Venezuelan government, which often frames external actors, particularly the United States, as adversaries seeking to interfere in its internal affairs. This narrative helps bolster support among a segment of the population concerned about foreign influence.

While Venezuela's claims have generated significant regional and international attention, it's crucial to note that these reports remain unverified by independent observers. The lack of impartial confirmation raises questions about the veracity and potential motivations behind the accusations. Access for independent journalists to the affected areas has been restricted, hindering efforts to corroborate the Venezuelan military's account. Some analysts suggest the timing of the accusations could be linked to domestic political maneuvering within Venezuela, aiming to rally support for Maduro's government amidst growing internal dissent and economic hardship.

The incident has triggered a diplomatic firestorm. Several Latin American nations have expressed concern and called for de-escalation, while others have voiced cautious support for Venezuela's request for an international investigation. The Organization of American States (OAS) is expected to address the situation in an emergency session later this week. The escalating tensions could have significant repercussions for regional stability and the delicate balance of power in South America, particularly given Venezuela's strategic importance as an oil producer.

Looking ahead, the situation remains volatile. A thorough and transparent investigation, conducted by an independent body, is crucial to determine the facts and prevent further escalation. However, given the deeply entrenched distrust between Venezuela and the United States, any such investigation will likely be viewed with skepticism by both sides. The ability of both nations to engage in constructive dialogue and address the underlying tensions will be paramount in preventing a further deterioration of relations and a potential crisis.