AdSense Advertisement

Explosions Rock Caracas Amid Suspected U.S. Strike, Venezuela Tensions Escalate

By The South Asia Times

CARACAS — Multiple explosions and the sound of low‑flying aircraft shocked Venezuela’s capital early Saturday, sparking panic among residents as power outages were reported in southern districts and smoke rose over parts of the city amid heightened tensions with the United States, according to media reports.

Witnesses in Caracas reported hearing at least seven blasts around 2 a.m. local time, accompanied by aircraft noises, though the exact cause of the explosions has not been independently verified and neither Venezuelan nor the U.S. officials have issued a definitive explanation, AP News reported.

The incident comes amid growing friction between Washington and Caracas, with U.S. President Donald Trump confirming last month that American forces had struck and destroyed a dock facility in Venezuela that he said was used by alleged drug traffickers to load boats headed for international waters.

Trump characterized the explosion at the site as part of a broader campaign against narcotics smuggling but offered few details on the operation or casualties.

The explosions in Caracas occur against the backdrop of the U.S. Operation Southern Spear, a months‑long effort targeting suspected drug trafficking networks in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which the U.S. says has destroyed dozens of vessels and killed more than 100 people since late 2025.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has repeatedly accused the United States of attempting to destabilize his government and undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty, framing U.S. pressure and strikes as part of an “undeclared war,” though Caracas has denied involvement in drug trafficking and called for diplomacy.

At the time of the blasts, parts of the capital were plunged into darkness and residents took to the streets in fear, while videos circulated on social media showing bright flashes and shockwaves lighting up the night sky.

Both governments have sharply different narratives, and as the situation unfolds, international observers caution that the lack of clarification from either side is fueling uncertainty and raising fears of further escalation in the already tense U.S.–Venezuela standoff.