CARACAS: Venezuela’s government has accused the United States of launching attacks on civilian and military installations across multiple states, after a series of explosions were reported in the capital Caracas early Saturday.
According to local authorities, at least seven explosions were heard around 2:00 am local time in Caracas, accompanied by low-flying aircraft. Residents in several neighborhoods said the blasts occurred within a short span of time, prompting people to rush out of their homes while others shared images and videos on social media.
Smoke was seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas, while another military installation reportedly lost power. Several parts of the capital also experienced electricity outages, though vehicular movement continued.
“The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes,” said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker. “We felt like the air was hitting us.”
Government calls people to streets
In an official statement, the Venezuelan government called on its supporters to mobilize in response to what it described as an “imperialist attack.”
“People to the streets!” the statement said, adding that President Nicolas Maduro had ordered the implementation of all national defense plans and declared a state of external disturbance. The declaration allows the government to suspend certain civil rights and expand the role of the armed forces.
US response unclear, flights banned
The Pentagon referred media inquiries to the White House, which had not issued an immediate response. Calls to the US Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the region, also went unanswered.
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned US commercial and private flights over Venezuelan airspace and nearby Curacao, citing safety risks linked to “ongoing military activity.”
Rising tensions
The latest escalation comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. In recent months, the US military has targeted alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The Trump administration says at least 35 boats have been struck since September, with over 115 fatalities reported.
President Maduro has accused the US of attempting to force regime change and gain access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The US, meanwhile, has charged Maduro with narco-terrorism and justified its actions as part of an armed conflict against drug cartels.
The situation remains fluid, with no independent confirmation yet of the full extent of damage or casualties from the overnight explosions.
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