Venezuela was rattled by multiple unexplained explosions this morning, as witnesses reported at least seven blasts and low-flying aircraft over the capital, Caracas. Loud noises reverberated throughout the city, accompanied by visible smoke rising from one area. The incidents unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions following escalating rhetoric from US President Donald Trump directed at Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Residents recounted being jolted awake by the sudden explosions and aircraft movements in the early hours.
Although the cause of the explosions remains uncertain, the initial series of blasts occurred around 1:50 am local time, as reported by CNN, with authorities yet to provide an immediate explanation. Among the affected areas was Fort Tiuna, home to the Venezuelan ministry of defense, while a section of southern Caracas near a significant military installation experienced power outages.
The developments followed Trump’s mention of potential drone strikes transitioning from sea to land against suspected Venezuelan drug trafficking operations. After a conversation with President Maduro, Trump announced on social media that Venezuelan airspace should be deemed off-limits, hinting at imminent military actions. The US President further disclosed during a recent WABC interview that American forces had commenced ground operations within Venezuela.
“I don’t know if you read or you saw, they have a big plant or a big facility where they send the – where the ships come from,” Trump disclosed in a call-in with host John Catsimatidis. “Two nights ago we knocked that out – so we hit them very hard,” he added.
Since September of the preceding year, the Department of War has targeted numerous suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Atlantic regions. Official figures from the Trump administration indicate 35 confirmed boat strikes, resulting in the deaths of at least 115 individuals.
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