- Multiple explosions reported across Caracas early Saturday
- Venezuela accuses the US of targeting military and civilian infrastructure
- Videos of blasts and low-flying aircraft go viral on social media
- Washington has not issued an official response
GG News Bureau
Caracas, 3rd Jan: Venezuela on Saturday accused the United States of attacking its military installations and civilian infrastructure after at least seven explosions were heard across different parts of the capital city, Caracas. Reports of low-flying aircraft in Venezuelan airspace also surfaced as videos of the blasts spread rapidly on social media.
Eyewitnesses described panic as the explosions rocked neighbourhoods in the early hours of the morning. “The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes,” The Associated Press quoted 21-year-old office worker Carmen Hidalgo as saying. “We felt like the air was hitting us.”
The US administration and the Pentagon have not responded to the allegations so far.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of running what he calls a “narco-terrorist” government and has imposed sanctions on vessels allegedly transporting Venezuelan oil. The US military has also targeted Venezuelan boats in the region, accusing them of involvement in drug trafficking.
Trump has openly called for Maduro to relinquish power, alleging that Venezuela has sent criminals, drug dealers and other offenders into the United States.
Responding to Washington’s stance, Maduro has claimed that the US is interested in Venezuela’s oil and has accused Trump of seeking regime change. Last month, he said Trump had “gone mad” and vowed to resist any external pressure.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, the Maduro government said on Friday that Venezuela remains open to negotiating with the United States on combating drug trafficking in the region, indicating a possible opening for dialogue even as political tensions remain high.
