Multiple explosions rocked Caracas early Saturday morning, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The blasts occurred around 2:00 am local time, accompanied by sounds of low-flying aircraft over the Venezuelan capital.
Witnesses across the city reported at least seven explosions, with some areas losing power. CNN described one blast as strong enough to shake windows. Video footage verified by CNN showed plumes of smoke rising into the night sky, with an orange glow visible at their base.
What Triggered the Strikes?
The cause of the explosions has not been officially confirmed. However, the strikes come after months of escalating military pressure from the Trump administration against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The US State Department has labeled Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, as the head of a “narco-terrorist” state.
President Trump revealed on Monday that US forces destroyed a docking area for alleged Venezuelan drug boats in what would be the first known land strike on Venezuelan soil. Trump declined to specify whether it was a military or CIA operation, saying only that it occurred “along the shore.”
The Trump administration has accused Maduro of controlling criminal groups tied to drug trafficking. Maduro denies these charges, claiming Washington seeks to overthrow him to access Venezuela’s oil reserves, the largest known on Earth.
Since late August, the Pentagon has deployed troops, aircraft and warships to the Caribbean. US forces have conducted at least 35 strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since September, killing at least 115 people. The administration says these vessels were smuggling drugs but has provided no evidence to support the claim.
How Deep Does US Involvement Go?
Trump authorized the CIA to operate inside Venezuela in October. He has repeatedly warned that ground strikes against drug cartels would begin “soon.”
Maduro has struck a more conciliatory tone in recent days. During a Thursday interview, he said Venezuela was open to negotiating a deal with the US to combat drug trafficking. “If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for US investment, like with Chevron,” Maduro said, referring to the only major oil company currently exporting Venezuelan crude to the United States.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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