Explosions rock Venezuela’s capital as US tensions escalate
Multiple powerful explosions shook Venezuela's capital Caracas on Saturday amid escalating tensions with the United States
CARACAS, Venezuela (MNTV) — Multiple powerful explosions shook Venezuela’s capital Caracas on Saturday amid escalating tensions with the United States, according to media reports and social media footage.
Videos circulating online showed thick smoke rising from several locations across the city, while air-raid sirens could be heard. At least seven explosions were reported, with low-flying aircraft spotted in the area.
Power outages were reported in several parts of the capital, including the southern district near a major military base. Venezuelan authorities had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.
CBS News reported that U.S. President Donald Trump ordered strikes on sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities, citing US officials. The Trump administration is aware of reports of explosions and aircraft activity in the country, according to sources quoted by the network.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil condemned the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter that “threaten international peace and stability.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel denounced what he described as a U.S. attack on Venezuela and called for an “urgent” reaction from the international community.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed concern over reports of explosions and unusual aerial activity in Venezuela, warning of an escalation of tensions in the region.
The reported strikes come just days after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said his country was open to talks with the U.S. on cooperation to counter drug trafficking.
In a prerecorded interview aired Thursday on state television, Maduro said he was ready for dialogue “whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it.”
Maduro has accused Washington of pursuing regime change in Venezuela to gain control of the country’s vast oil reserves through a months-long pressure campaign.
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean in recent months, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking, while significantly raising the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million.
Tensions between Washington and Caracas have been mounting for months, with the Trump administration imposing sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector and threatening military action.
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