Explosions in Caracas Amid Escalating Venezuela-US Tensions
Loud explosions were reported in Caracas early Saturday, causing widespread panic as the Venezuelan capital's neighborhoods resonated with the sound of blasts. Reuters witnesses indicated that southern areas of Caracas, including those near a prominent military site, experienced power outages after the explosions.
The Associated Press noted that at least seven explosions were heard, along with the sound of aircraft flying low over the city. Unverified videos on social media seemed to show flashes and loud noises, with people seen running into the streets in a state of alarm.
Residents across various districts reported hearing the explosions from afar, with the blasts briefly illuminating the night sky and causing temporary disruption in parts of the city.
Tensions with the United States in the Background
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing tensions between Venezuela and the United States, following measures taken by the Trump administration against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government.
The United States has ramped up pressure on Venezuela with stricter sanctions, the seizure of oil tankers, and at least one airstrike on Venezuelan soil in recent times. Additionally, the US military has launched numerous maritime strikes against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. These operations reportedly led to over 100 deaths across numerous strikes.
President Trump has consistently suggested the possibility of land operations in Venezuela, asserting that all options are under consideration to instigate political change in Caracas.
Maduro Rejects US Allegations
President Nicolás Maduro has strongly denied any connection between his government and criminal activities, accusing the United States of attempting to overthrow his administration to access Venezuela's significant oil and rare earth mineral resources.
Currently, neither the Venezuelan government nor the Pentagon has released an official statement regarding the explosions' cause or any associated military activity.
Caracas authorities have called for calm as investigations into the source of the blasts continue, amid ongoing uncertainty and speculation in an already tense geopolitical climate.
