Venezuela accuses US of 'military aggression' after explosions rock Caracas.
Venezuela’s government has accused the United States of launching attacks on civilian and military installations across several states, rejecting what it described as a “military aggression”. The attacks occurred in the capital Caracas on Saturday, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
President Nicolas Maduro has declared a national state of emergency, ordering the full activation of national defense plans. Witnesses reported hearing at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft in Caracas, with plumes of smoke rising from a structure next to a body of water.
The US has yet to officially comment, but a US official confirmed to Reuters that the US carried out the strike inside Venezuela. The official did not provide additional details.
Explosions Were Heard in Multiple Locations
The explosions come amid rising tensions between the US and Venezuela, with President Donald Trump threatening to launch attacks on targets allegedly linked to drug trafficking. Venezuela has accused Washington of staging the assault to seize its oil and mineral resources.
Journalists in Caracas reported hearing loud explosions and seeing balls of fire and thick smoke. The explosion occurred near Fort Tiuna, the main military base in Caracas.
Residents rushed to the streets, with some reporting power outages and shattered windows. “The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance,” said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker.
The US military has been targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region, and Trump has repeatedly threatened ground strikes on drug cartels in Latin America, including Venezuela.
Venezuela has indicated it’s open to negotiating a deal with the US to combat drug trafficking, but Maduro claims the US is trying to topple his government and gain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves.
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