Explosions rock Caracas as Venezuela accuses U.S. of military strikes

At least seven powerful explosions were heard across Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, early Saturday, triggering panic, power outages and emergency sirens in several neighbourhoods. The blasts were reported around 2 am local time, with witnesses describing shaking buildings, low-flying aircraft and smoke rising near a major military base in the south of the city.

Videos of the explosions quickly circulated on social media, while residents rushed onto the streets amid widespread electricity disruptions.

Maduro Declares Emergency, Alleges U.S. Aggression

President Nicolas Maduro declared a national emergency, accusing the United States of carrying out ‘military aggression’ against civilian and military targets across multiple Venezuelan states. The government announced the mobilisation of the population and said strategic sites had been attacked.

The alleged strikes come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. According to US media reports citing sources, President Donald Trump authorised attacks on Venezuelan military facilities as part of an intensified campaign against Maduro’s government. The US has recently expanded its military presence in the region, including deploying an aircraft carrier and warships in the Caribbean.

Travel Alerts and Regional Reaction

Shortly before the explosions, the US Federal Aviation Administration barred American commercial flights from Venezuelan airspace, citing ongoing military activity. The US Embassy in Bogota also issued a travel advisory, urging US citizens to avoid travel to Venezuela and advising those already there to shelter in place and leave when safe.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro shared a Venezuelan government statement condemning the alleged US action as a violation of international law and warning it threatened regional stability.

While Maduro has recently signalled openness to talks with Washington, he has strongly rejected US accusations linking his government to drug trafficking, calling them a pretext for intervention.