Residents of Venezuela's capital, Caracas, were jolted awake in the early hours of Saturday by a series of loud explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft, according to international news agency reports. The incident, occurring around 2 a.m. local time, prompted alarm and saw people from various neighborhoods rushing out into the streets.
Panic in the Night: Explosions and Power Cut
The Associated Press reported that witnesses counted at least seven explosions. The unsettling sounds were accompanied by aircraft flying at a low altitude over the city. Reuters, citing local sources, added a crucial detail: the southern part of Caracas, an area close to a major military installation, experienced a complete blackout following the blasts.
From a distance, residents could be seen gathering in the streets, trying to ascertain the source and cause of the disturbances. The proximity of the events to a key military base has fueled speculation and concern, though official statements from Venezuelan authorities were awaited at the time of reporting.
Background of US Pressure on Maduro Government
This alarming development in Caracas unfolds against a backdrop of intense geopolitical pressure on the administration of President Nicolas Maduro. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has pursued a multi-pronged strategy aiming to force Maduro from power.
The US campaign has included several aggressive measures:
- Expanding economic and political sanctions against the Venezuelan state and individuals.
- Increasing the US military presence in the broader Caribbean and Latin American region.
- Conducting more than two dozen strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
President Trump has repeatedly not ruled out the possibility of a land operation in Venezuela, although he has not explicitly linked the recent events in Caracas to any US action.
A Developing Situation with Regional Implications
The situation in Caracas remains fluid, and details are still emerging. The combination of explosions, aircraft activity, and a targeted power outage in a sensitive area has created a tense atmosphere in the capital.
Analysts are closely watching for any official explanation from the Venezuelan government, which has previously accused the US and its allies of plotting sabotage and coup attempts. The incident is likely to further strain the already fraught relations between Caracas and Washington, with potential implications for regional stability in Latin America.
This is a developing news story. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from official channels and on-ground reports.
