At approximately 2 a.m. local time on Saturday, Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, experienced a series of at least seven explosions accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft. Residents across various neighborhoods rushed into the streets, alarmed by the unexpected disturbances. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flashes in the distance as the incidents unfolded.
According to CBS News, officials from the administration of President Donald Trump acknowledged awareness of the situation but did not provide immediate comments. The Venezuelan government has yet to issue a response regarding the explosions.
International Reactions and Context
Colombian President Gustavo Petro reacted swiftly to the events, posting on social media that someone was “bombing Caracas in this moment,” although he did not specify the responsible party. He urged the international community to take notice, stating, “Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela bombing with missiles,” and called for a meeting of the United Nations.
This incident follows a period of heightened military activity in the region, with the U.S. targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels. Thousands of U.S. forces, along with several naval vessels, have been deployed near Venezuela, a move that has raised concerns about potential military operations. The Trump administration has accused President Nicolas Maduro of collaborating with drug traffickers, a claim that the Venezuelan government denies.
In mid-December, President Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” on all sanctioned tankers entering or exiting Venezuela, a strategy aimed at pressuring Maduro’s regime. Just last month, two sanctioned oil tankers were seized, intensifying tensions between the two nations.
In a twist, Maduro recently expressed openness to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. During a pre-recorded interview aired on Thursday, he suggested that the U.S. aims to force a change in the Venezuelan government to gain access to the country’s vast oil reserves.
While Trump has not explicitly outlined his objectives regarding Venezuela, he indicated that it would be “smart” for Maduro to relinquish power. He warned that if Maduro “plays tough,” it could be the last time he has such an opportunity.
This developing situation in Caracas is closely monitored, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. Contributions to this report were made by Jennifer Jacobs and James LaPorta.
