Caracas, Venezuela, experienced multiple explosions and reports of low-flying aircraft early Saturday, local time. These events were accompanied by power outages in several areas of the city. The Venezuelan government, led by Nicolás Maduro, attributed the incidents to an attack on civilian and military installations by the United States, while the U.S. has not issued an official comment regarding the events.
Incidents in Caracas
At least seven explosions were reported across Caracas, Venezuela, starting around 1:50 AM to 2:00 AM local time on Saturday. Witnesses reported hearing the blasts and seeing low-flying aircraft activity, which reportedly lasted for approximately an hour in some areas. A journalist in Caracas described waking to two explosions impacting the La Carlota military airport, where two fires were observed on the runway before being extinguished. Unverified videos circulating on social media also depicted explosions, including near the Miraflores Presidential Palace.
Following the reported explosions, parts of the city, including an area near a major military base, experienced power outages. Smoke was observed rising from a military base hangar, and another military installation was reported to be without power. Some residents were reported to have taken to the streets. No immediate casualty reports were available, and the precise cause and specific locations of all disturbances were not immediately clear. The activity reportedly lasted under 30 minutes in some accounts.
Venezuelan Government Response
The Venezuelan government stated that civilian and military installations had been attacked and attributed these actions to the United States. President Nicolás Maduro ordered the implementation of "all national defense plans" and declared "a state of external disturbance," which grants expanded powers to the armed forces and the ability to suspend certain rights. The government called for public mobilization, urging supporters to "activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack."
While there was no immediate official statement from President Maduro at the time of initial reports, he had previously expressed willingness to negotiate an agreement with the U.S. on drug trafficking in a pre-taped interview. Maduro has also repeatedly characterized U.S. pressure as an attempt to induce a government change and gain access to Venezuela's oil reserves. The Venezuelan government did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press regarding the events.
United States Stance and Regional Context
Prior to the explosions, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace, citing "ongoing military activity." The United States has not provided official comment regarding the reported incidents, potential targets, or objectives. Requests for comment directed to the Pentagon, the White House, and the U.S. Southern Command have not yet received a response.
The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, which ceased operations in 2019, issued a security alert for American citizens in the country, advising them to "shelter in place" due to reports of explosions.
These events occur amidst an escalated pressure campaign by the U.S. administration against President Maduro. The U.S. has accused the Maduro administration of involvement in drug trafficking, specifically referencing an entity referred to as "Los Soles" cartel, and Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges in the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously indicated the possibility of ordering strikes on Venezuelan targets and had authorized the CIA to operate within Venezuela in October to address illegal flows of migrants and drugs. Since late August and early September, the U.S. military has deployed aircraft carriers and warships to the Caribbean region, conducting operations targeting boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. These operations, described by the U.S. as necessary to interdict drug flows and an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, have resulted in approximately 35 documented strikes and over 100 fatalities.