At approximately 2 a.m. local time on Saturday, Caracas, Venezuela, experienced a series of at least seven explosions accompanied by low-flying aircraft. Residents across various neighborhoods reported the blasts, prompting many to take to the streets in alarm. Eyewitnesses captured the chaos unfolding in the city, highlighting the tense atmosphere.
U.S. officials, including those from the administration of former President Donald Trump, acknowledged awareness of the explosions and the aircraft activity, as reported by CBS News. However, there was no immediate response to inquiries directed at the White House regarding the incidents. Similarly, the Venezuelan government had yet to issue an official statement in response to these events.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to social media to express his concern, stating, “Someone is bombing Caracas in this moment,” without specifying who was responsible. He called for global attention, declaring, “Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela bombing with missiles.” His remarks underscore the escalating tensions in the region.
Background and Context of the Tensions
These reported explosions occur against a backdrop of increasing military activity in the region. The U.S. has been actively targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels, exerting significant pressure on President Nicolás Maduro‘s administration. Thousands of U.S. military personnel, along with several naval vessels, have been deployed to the area, as the Trump administration seeks to counter what it describes as Maduro’s collaboration with drug traffickers—a claim the Venezuelan government vehemently denies.
In mid-December 2019, President Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” on all sanctioned tankers entering or exiting Venezuela, following the seizure of two oil tankers last month. This blockade is part of a broader strategy aimed at crippling Venezuela’s oil sector, which is vital to the nation’s economy.
Despite the heightened military presence and rhetoric, Venezuela has indicated a willingness to negotiate with the United States regarding drug trafficking. In a pre-recorded interview aired on Thursday, Maduro contended that the U.S. is seeking to instigate a change in Venezuela’s government to gain access to its substantial oil reserves.
As tensions mount, Trump has suggested that it would be “smart” for Maduro to step down. He warned that if Maduro “plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’ll ever be able to play tough.”
This situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the international community closely monitors the unfolding events in Caracas. The implications of these explosions, along with the ongoing geopolitical tensions, could significantly impact both regional stability and international relations.
Jennifer Jacobs and James LaPorta contributed to this report.
