Venezuela–US Tensions: Caracas woke up to chaos early Saturday after a series of loud explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft shattered the calm across Venezuela’s capital. Thick smoke was seen rising from a military hangar, power was knocked out at one base, and residents in several neighborhoods rushed into the streets in confusion and fear.
Within hours, the Venezuelan government declared a national emergency, accusing the United States of launching military strikes on both civilian and military installations. The dramatic overnight developments have pushed already strained Venezuela–US relations into one of their most dangerous phases in years.
What Happened in Caracas?
According to Venezuelan authorities, at least seven explosions were heard around 2 a.m. local time in Caracas. Similar incidents were reported in the surrounding states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Witnesses described seeing flashes in the sky, followed by loud blasts and rising smoke from a military base in the capital. Some areas briefly lost electricity, adding to the confusion as people poured into the streets trying to understand what was happening. Government officials quickly labeled the events as a coordinated attack.
Maduro Declares State of Emergency
President Nicolás Maduro responded by announcing a nationwide state of external emergency. In a strongly worded statement, his government condemned what it called “military aggression” by the United States and ordered the full activation of national defense plans.
The government also called on citizens and political groups to mobilize.
“People to the streets,” the statement read, urging supporters to demonstrate against what it described as an imperialist attack on Venezuelan sovereignty.
US Official Confirms Strikes
A US official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, confirmed that the United States was carrying out strikes inside Venezuela, though no further details were immediately provided.
Neither the Pentagon nor the White House issued an official statement in the early hours following the reports, leaving many questions unanswered about the scope and purpose of the military action. Adding to the tension, the US Federal Aviation Administration banned American commercial flights from Venezuelan airspace, citing ongoing military activity.
Venezuela Accuses US of Seeking Oil and Minerals
The Venezuelan government said the attacks were part of a broader attempt by Washington to seize control of the country’s vast oil reserves and mineral wealth.
In a statement released by the Bolivarian government, officials claimed the real goal behind the strikes was economic dominance rather than security. The accusation comes just one day after Venezuela had signaled willingness to negotiate with the United States on combating drug trafficking, making the sudden escalation even more startling.
Rising Fears of Wider Conflict
The overnight explosions have sent shockwaves through the region. With airspace restrictions now in place and both sides using increasingly aggressive language, diplomats and analysts fear the situation could spiral into a larger confrontation. For ordinary Venezuelans, the immediate concern remains safety. As dawn broke over Caracas, smoke still lingered in parts of the city, and uncertainty hung in the air.
What Happens Next?
With limited official information from Washington and strong rhetoric from Caracas, the coming hours will be critical. The world is watching closely to see whether this crisis will de-escalate through diplomacy or deepen into a broader military standoff.