Caracas, Venezuela — Venezuela’s capital was shaken by a series of explosions on Saturday, as residents reported loud blasts, aircraft activity over the city, and widespread power outages across several neighbourhoods.
Local witnesses said at least seven explosions were heard in different parts of Caracas, triggering panic among residents. Authorities have not yet provided a detailed account of the cause of the blasts, and there was no immediate confirmation of foreign military involvement.
The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Washington has recently intensified pressure on Caracas through expanded economic sanctions, particularly targeting Venezuela’s oil exports.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced what he described as a “total blockade” on oil tankers linked to Venezuela that are under US sanctions. The move is part of a broader campaign aimed at cutting off revenue streams to the Maduro administration.
The US government has also not ruled out the possibility of military action. President Trump has previously stated that a ground operation remains an option as Washington seeks to dismantle what it alleges are Venezuela’s drug trafficking networks and to force Maduro from power.
The Trump administration has designated Maduro as the leader of what it terms a “foreign terrorist” drug cartel — an accusation strongly rejected by Caracas. In response, the Venezuelan president has accused the United States of using anti-narcotics operations as a cover for regime change, describing the US naval presence in the Caribbean as a direct threat to national sovereignty.
Following Saturday’s explosions, the Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning what it called “military aggression” by Washington, though it did not provide specific details.
Last month, the United States acknowledged carrying out an attack on a dock facility in Venezuela. US officials say American forces have conducted at least 29 operations against suspected drug trafficking vessels across the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since September, resulting in more than 100 deaths. The most recent strikes were reported on December 22.
As investigations into the Caracas explosions continue, fears are growing that the standoff between Washington and Caracas could escalate further, raising concerns about regional stability in Latin America.
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