MULTIPLE explosions shook the Venezuelan capital of Caracas early on Saturday, with columns of black smoke rising over the city and aircraft observed in the skies, according to eyewitnesses and images circulating on social media.
Reuters reported today that a power outage affected southern Caracas, near a major military installation, though the exact cause and locations of the disturbances remain unclear. Reuters has not independently verified the social media footage.
President Nicolas Maduro’s government issued a statement condemning the attacks, which reportedly also affected the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Maduro declared a national emergency and urged social and political forces to “activate mobilization plans” in response to what Venezuela termed “military aggression” by the United States.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro tweeted that Caracas was under bombardment, calling for immediate intervention from the Organization of American States and the United Nations. “At this moment they are bombing Caracas.
“Alert everyone — they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles. The OAS and the UN must meet immediately,” Petro wrote, though he did not provide sources or further details.
The developments come amid heightened tension between Washington and Caracas. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly signalled readiness for military operations in Venezuela, pressuring Maduro to step down.
Trump previously described it as “smart” for Maduro to leave power and has expanded sanctions, enforced a blockade on sanctioned vessels entering or leaving Venezuelan waters, and conducted strikes against vessels alleged to be trafficking drugs in the Pacific and Caribbean.
Last week, Trump confirmed that U.S. forces had “hit” a Venezuelan site linked to drug-loading operations, though he did not specify the responsible agency, with media reports suggesting CIA involvement.
Maduro has repeatedly accused the Trump administration of seeking regime change to gain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves, while the United States alleges Venezuela has facilitated drug flows into U.S. territory.
Many international observers have condemned the strikes as extrajudicial killings, and the Venezuelan government denies any involvement in drug trafficking.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the latest developments, referring inquiries to the White House, which also declined to respond.
The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in the Caribbean region, including an aircraft carrier, warships, and advanced fighter jets.
Amid the ongoing uncertainty, Caracas and surrounding regions remain on high alert as the situation continues to unfold, raising fears of a broader escalation in the already tense standoff between Washington and Caracas. - January 3, 2025
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