Residents in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, reported a series of loud explosions in the early hours of Saturday, prompting widespread concern and confusion across several neighborhoods. Witnesses said the blasts occurred shortly before 2 a.m. local time and were followed by the sound of aircraft flying at low altitude.
According to local reports and eyewitness accounts, at least seven explosions were heard across parts of the city. Some areas experienced temporary power outages, leaving streets and homes in darkness. Journalists on the ground described strong vibrations, with windows shaking in nearby buildings.
“One of the explosions was so powerful that my window shook afterward,” said CNN correspondent Osmary Hernández, who was in Caracas at the time.
Government Accusations and Emergency Measures
Venezuela’s government accused the United States of carrying out attacks on both civilian and military infrastructure in multiple regions of the country. In a statement released Saturday, officials described the incident as a serious act of military aggression and announced the activation of national defense measures.
President Nicolás Maduro declared a national emergency, referring to the situation as an “external disturbance.” The government also called on supporters to mobilize and demonstrate in response to what it described as an attack on Venezuelan sovereignty.
“Venezuela rejects and denounces this aggression before the international community,” the government said in its statement, while urging political and social organizations to take to the streets peacefully.
Witness Accounts and Regional Reports
Residents in several neighborhoods reported rushing outside after hearing the explosions. Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, said she felt the ground shake while walking with relatives. “We heard explosions and planes in the distance. It felt like the air itself was hitting us,” she said.
Local media outlets also reported explosions in La Guaira state, north of Caracas, and in the coastal city of Higuerote in Miranda state. Images and videos circulating online showed smoke rising into the night sky, though the exact locations and causes of the blasts have not been independently verified.
U.S. Response and Broader Context
As of Saturday, the Pentagon and the White House had not issued official statements regarding the reported explosions. U.S. officials previously stated that the United States has been conducting operations in the region aimed at combating drug trafficking networks.
In recent months, U.S. forces have increased their presence in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, targeting vessels suspected of drug smuggling. The U.S. administration has described these actions as part of broader efforts to disrupt organized crime.
President Trump has previously accused the Venezuelan government of involvement in drug trafficking, while Venezuelan officials have denied the allegations and accused Washington of attempting to destabilize the country and gain access to its natural resources.
International Attention
The situation has drawn international attention, with state media in countries allied with Venezuela reporting on the events. Analysts note that tensions between Caracas and Washington have remained high amid ongoing economic sanctions, diplomatic disputes, and regional security operations.
Authorities in Venezuela said investigations are ongoing and that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.