Residents of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, were jolted awake in the early hours by a series of loud explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft, plunging parts of the city into darkness.
Chaos in the Capital
According to witness reports and international news agencies, at least seven distinct explosions were heard around 2am local time. The incident caused alarm across several neighbourhoods, with many people rushing out into the streets. The source of the blasts remains officially unconfirmed, but smoke was seen rising from the vicinity of La Carlota airport, a military airbase located in the heart of the city.
Power Cuts and Government Silence
The explosions coincided with a significant power outage affecting a southern district of Caracas, further fuelling anxiety among the populace. As of now, Venezuela's government has not issued any official statement regarding the cause of the disturbances. Similarly, requests for comment made to the Pentagon have not received an immediate response.
Heightened Regional Tensions
This alarming event occurs against a backdrop of severely strained relations between Venezuela and the United States. The Trump administration has consistently ramped up pressure on President Nicolás Maduro to relinquish power, employing a strategy of expanded sanctions and an increased US military presence in the region.
In recent weeks, this pressure has included more than two dozen strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea that the US alleges are involved in drug trafficking. President Donald Trump has also repeatedly hinted at the possibility of land operations in Venezuela, although no such action has been taken.
The situation in Caracas remains fluid, and this story is still developing. The unexplained explosions and military activity have left citizens on edge, awaiting clarification from authorities.
