Venezuela Reports Explosions in Caracas, Accuses US of Attacks on Installations
Venezuela has accused the United States of carrying out attacks on civilian and military facilities after a series of explosions and aircraft activity were reported in the early hours of Saturday in the capital, Caracas.
According to government statements, at least seven explosions were heard around 2:00am local time, accompanied by low-flying aircraft over several parts of the city. The incidents prompted widespread alarm among residents, many of whom rushed outdoors after hearing the blasts.
Authorities said smoke was seen rising from a hangar at a military base in Caracas, while another military facility reportedly lost power following the explosions. Independent verification of the cause of the blasts was not immediately available.
Residents Describe Moments of Fear
Witnesses in multiple neighbourhoods described the scenes as frightening and confusing. Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, said the explosions were powerful enough to shake buildings.
“The ground moved, and it felt like the air itself was hitting us,” she said. “We heard planes and loud explosions at the same time. People didn’t know what was happening.”
Videos shared on social media showed residents gathering on streets as emergency sirens sounded in the distance. Authorities urged calm while security forces assessed the situation.
Government Declares State of External Disturbance
In an official statement, Venezuela’s government accused the United States of launching what it called an “imperialist attack” against the country. The statement urged supporters of the ruling administration to mobilise and demonstrate in response.
President Nicolás Maduro ordered the activation of national defence plans and declared what officials described as a “state of external disturbance,” placing security forces on high alert.
The government did not immediately provide evidence linking the explosions directly to US forces, but officials said the incidents followed a period of heightened military pressure by Washington in the region.
Airspace Restrictions and Military Activity
Amid the developments, the US Federal Aviation Administration announced restrictions on US commercial flights operating in Venezuelan airspace. The agency cited “ongoing military activity” as the reason for the ban, which was issued shortly before reports of explosions in Caracas emerged.
The airspace move added to concerns over escalating tensions between the two countries, which have been locked in a prolonged political and economic standoff.
Background of Rising US-Venezuela Tensions
The accusations come as the US military has increased operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific in recent months, targeting vessels it says are linked to drug trafficking. Venezuelan officials acknowledged on Friday that they were open to discussions with Washington on cooperation against narcotics smuggling.
However, President Maduro has repeatedly accused the US of using anti-drug operations as a pretext to weaken his government. In a pre-recorded interview aired earlier this week, he claimed Washington was seeking to force political change in Venezuela and gain greater access to the country’s oil reserves.
US Actions in the Region
The US government has previously charged Maduro with narco-terrorism, allegations that Venezuelan authorities strongly deny. American forces have seized sanctioned oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast and imposed a blockade on others as part of broader economic pressure measures.
Since early September, the US military has acknowledged striking dozens of boats in regional waters, describing the operations as necessary to curb illegal drug flows into the United States. According to figures released by Washington, at least 35 boat strikes have occurred, resulting in more than 100 deaths.
The military campaign has coincided with a significant build-up of US forces near South America, including the deployment of an advanced aircraft carrier in November. This marked one of the largest American military presences in the region in decades.
Uncertain Path Ahead
US President Donald Trump has previously warned that strikes on targets inside Venezuela were possible. He has defended military actions in the region as part of what he describes as an armed conflict with drug cartels.
For now, it remains unclear what caused the explosions in Caracas or whether further incidents may follow. Venezuelan authorities say investigations are ongoing, while international observers have called for restraint and transparency.
As tensions continue to rise, residents in Caracas and other parts of the country remain on edge, uncertain whether the early-morning blasts mark an isolated incident or the start of a broader escalation.