Short Verdict: The viral clip labeled as showing missiles over Caracas on January 3, 2026 is misattributed. It predates the Venezuela incident and first circulated in 2025, where it was linked to strikes near Tel Aviv. Although the U.S. struck targets in Venezuela on January 3, 2026 (per AP), this video is not evidence of those attacks.
Fact Check: Viral Video Of 'Missiles Over Caracas' Is Old Footage From 2025, Linked To Tel Aviv
Lead Stories says: Israel 2025
A widely shared video claiming to show missiles raining down on Caracas, Venezuela on January 3, 2026 is misattributed. The clip circulating on social platforms predates that incident and was originally circulated in 2025, where it was described as footage of projectiles striking the Tel Aviv area.
What the Evidence Shows
The same video frame that resurfaced in January 2026 first appeared online at least as early as January 3, 2025 in an X (formerly Twitter) post that included a Spanish caption referencing Caracas. That post is archived and predates the 2026 events.
Image source: post by @FrancoVRinaldi on X.com.
Independent checks show the clip was also posted to the Instagram account of the Deccan Chronicle on June 13, 2025. At the time, the clip was described as showing projectiles hitting central Tel Aviv during a retaliatory strike attributed to tensions between Iran and Israel; early reports noted explosions and injuries in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Why This Matters
Although news outlets such as AP reported that the United States struck targets in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, the visual evidence that circulated online is not from that event. Reusing footage from earlier conflicts to illustrate unrelated incidents is a common form of misinformation and can distort public understanding of fast-moving crises.
Bottom line: The viral video is recycled footage from 2025 and does not show missiles or strikes in Caracas on January 3, 2026.
Sources And Timeline
- January 3, 2025: A version of the clip appears on X with a Spanish caption (archived).
- June 13, 2025: Same clip posted on Deccan Chronicle's Instagram, described as showing projectiles over Tel Aviv (archived).
- January 3, 2026: AP News reports that the U.S. struck targets in Venezuela; however, the circulating video is not evidence of those strikes.
If you see footage shared without clear sourcing or with mismatched dates and locations, treat it with caution. Verify by checking timestamps, original posts, and reputable news reporting before accepting or sharing dramatic clips as proof of current events.
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