Multiple explosions were reported in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, triggering a national emergency and sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from several parts of the city as loud blasts echoed across the capital, prompting widespread concern among residents. Power outages were reported in a number of neighbourhoods near the affected areas.
US officials, speaking to American media, said President Donald Trump authorised military strikes targeting Venezuelan military installations.
However, there was no immediate public statement from either the White House or the Pentagon at the time of the explosions.
In a strongly worded response, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of launching what it described as a serious act of military aggression. Officials in Caracas said they would raise the matter before the international community, vowing to defend the country’s sovereignty.
According to preliminary reports, sites believed to have been hit include La Carlota military airbase in central Caracas and the heavily fortified Fuerte Tiuna complex, one of the country’s largest military installations. The full extent of the damage remains unclear.
Videos circulating on social media showed flashes in the sky, loud detonations and helicopters flying overhead, though these clips had not been independently verified at the time of publication.
The incident comes amid heightened friction between the two countries. In recent weeks, the United States has carried out operations in the Caribbean targeting vessels it claims are linked to drug trafficking.
Earlier this week, President Trump confirmed a strike on a dock facility allegedly associated with Venezuelan drug operations, which he said resulted in a significant explosion.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has long accused Washington of attempting to destabilise his government and force regime change. He has also criticised the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers by US authorities, arguing that the actions are driven by interest in the country’s vast energy reserves.
The United States, meanwhile, has accused Maduro of drug trafficking and questioned the legitimacy of his leadership, with the outcome of Venezuela’s last presidential election widely disputed by the international community.
As the situation continues to develop, regional and global observers are closely monitoring the risk of further escalation between the two nations.
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