Caracas, Venezuela — A series of explosions echoed across Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, unsettling residents and prompting government claims of an external attack. At least seven blasts were reported around 2 a.m., along with the sound of low-flying aircraft, sparking confusion and concern among the city’s inhabitants.
In response to the violence, Venezuelan officials pointed fingers at the United States, accusing it of targeting both civilian and military installations. As tensions escalated, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a prohibition on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to “ongoing military activity.”
Efforts to contact U.S. military officials for clarification went unanswered. However, two hours after the explosions, residents were still reporting widespread power outages in various neighborhoods. Many took to social media platforms to relay their experiences, while others fled to the streets in search of safety.
Witnesses described the disorienting effects of the explosions. Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, recounted the chaos, saying the ground seemed to shake beneath her feet. “We could feel the air pressure change,” she said, noting the shock felt among her group departing from a birthday celebration.
In an urgent plea to supporters, the Venezuelan government called for mobilization against what it termed an “imperialist attack.” President Nicolás Maduro urged citizens to take action, stating he had activated national defense protocols and declared a “state of external disturbance.” This declaration allows for the expansion of military powers and the suspension of civil rights during heightened security threats.
The FAA issued its flight warning shortly after midnight. The agency cautioned pilots about the potential dangers in Venezuelan airspace and the nearby island of Curaçao, indicating the risk associated with the escalating military operations.
This latest incident unfolds against a background of heightened U.S. military focus on alleged drug trafficking routes connected to Venezuela. Just days before the blasts, Venezuelan officials expressed openness to negotiating drug trafficking agreements with the U.S., suggesting a shift in dialogue amid rising tensions.
Maduro, also facing charges of narco-terrorism in the U.S., claims American efforts are aimed at destabilizing his government and seizing control of Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves. Recent U.S. military actions in the Caribbean have reportedly resulted in numerous strikes on vessels used for smuggling, with significant casualties reported.
Moreover, President Trump has hinted at the possibility of further U.S. military actions within Venezuela, as recent operations have been framed within the context of a broader conflict against drug cartels. The latest military buildup, consisting of an advanced aircraft carrier and additional forces, marks one of the largest U.S. military presences in the region in decades.
The widespread concern surrounding these events has drawn international attention, with reports of the explosions being circulated by foreign media. Notably, Iranian state outlets highlighted the situation, further emphasizing the geopolitical interests at play, as Iran has historically maintained close ties with Venezuela based on mutual opposition to U.S. policies.
As Caracas grapples with this moment of chaos, the implications of the early morning explosions and ensuing reactions could resonate far beyond its borders, complicating already fraught international relations.