At approximately 2 a.m. local time on Saturday, Caracas experienced at least seven explosions, accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft. The Venezuelan government has accused the United States of launching attacks on civilian and military installations across several states, escalating tensions between the two nations.
In response to the explosions, the Pentagon directed all inquiries to the White House, which did not immediately provide a comment. The Federal Aviation Authority has since imposed a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace, citing “ongoing military activity” in the region. Smoke was observed rising from a military base hangar in Caracas, while another installation suffered a power outage, prompting residents in various neighborhoods to rush into the streets.
Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, described the scene, stating, “The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes.” As she hurried home with relatives after a birthday celebration, she added, “We felt like the air was hitting us.”
In an official statement, Venezuela’s government called on its supporters to mobilize in response to what it termed an “imperialist attack.” The statement urged, “People to the streets!” and emphasized that President Nicolás Maduro had ordered the implementation of all national defense plans while declaring a “state of external disturbance.”
The accusations come at a time when the U.S. military has reportedly been targeting vessels involved in alleged drug trafficking. On Friday, Maduro expressed a willingness to negotiate a cooperation agreement with the U.S. to combat drug smuggling. In a pre-recorded interview aired on Thursday, he claimed that U.S. intentions include forcing a change of government in Venezuela and obtaining access to the country’s extensive oil reserves, amid ongoing military pressure that began with a significant deployment in the Caribbean Sea in August.
The U.S. has charged Maduro with narco-terrorism, and recent actions have included a drone strike in Venezuela targeting a docking area associated with drug cartels. This marked the first known direct U.S. operation on Venezuelan soil since military strikes against boats commenced in September. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously hinted at potential strikes on Venezuelan land, asserting that the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.
Since early September, U.S. military operations have targeted boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, with reports indicating that there have been at least 35 known strikes and over 115 casualties. This escalation follows a significant buildup of U.S. forces in South American waters, which includes the arrival of advanced military assets.
The ongoing situation reflects the heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States, with significant implications for regional stability and international relations. As both sides prepare for potential further developments, the situation remains fluid, with global observers closely monitoring the unfolding events.
