At approximately 2 a.m. local time on Saturday, Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, experienced at least seven explosions accompanied by low-flying aircraft. The unexpected events prompted residents from various neighborhoods to rush into the streets, seeking safety and clarity about the situation. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft in the distance, heightening concerns among the public.
U.S. officials confirmed awareness of the situation, with sources indicating that members of the Trump administration were monitoring reports of the explosions and aircraft activity. As of now, there has been no formal response from the White House or the Venezuelan government regarding the incidents.
International Reactions and Escalating Tensions
Colombian President Gustavo Petro reacted swiftly, posting on social media that “someone was bombing Caracas in this moment,” without specifying the perpetrator. He urged the international community to take notice, stating, “Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela bombing with missiles.” In light of these developments, Petro called for a meeting of the United Nations to address the crisis.
These explosions occur against a backdrop of increasing U.S. military activity in the region, particularly aimed at targeting alleged drug-smuggling operations. Over recent months, the Trump administration has intensified its pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, deploying thousands of U.S. forces and several naval vessels to the area. The administration has accused Maduro’s regime of collaborating with drug traffickers, a claim that Venezuela vehemently denies.
In December, President Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” on all sanctioned tankers entering or exiting Venezuela, further straining relations between the two countries. Recently, Venezuela expressed openness to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking, signaling a potential shift in the tense diplomatic landscape.
Ongoing Conflict and Future Implications
On Thursday, in a pre-recorded interview, Maduro claimed that the U.S. seeks to instigate a change of government in Venezuela to gain access to its extensive oil reserves. While President Trump has not clearly articulated his objectives for Venezuela, he suggested last month that it would be “smart” for Maduro to relinquish power. Trump’s comments included a warning that if Maduro “plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’ll ever be able to play tough.”
As this situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely. The reported explosions and the subsequent reactions highlight the fragile state of affairs in Venezuela, raising questions about the potential for further escalation. This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available.
