At a Glance
- At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft heard around 2 a.m. in Caracas.
- Venezuela’s government accuses the United States of attacking civilian and military sites.
- U.S. commercial flights banned over Venezuelan airspace amid ongoing military activity.
- Why it matters: The incident heightens tensions between Venezuela and the U.S., affecting regional security and aviation.
The night of Saturday, Caracas heard a series of explosions that rattled neighborhoods and prompted citizens to rush to the streets.
Explosions in Caracas
At least seven blasts were reported near 2 a.m. local time. Smoke rose from the hangar of a military base, while another installation lost power. Residents described the ground shaking and feeling the air hit them.
Carmen Hidalgo stated:
> “The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes. We felt like the air was hitting us.”
Government Response
The Venezuelan government issued a statement calling supporters to the streets. It urged all social and political forces to activate mobilization plans and repudiate the alleged imperialist attack.
Venezuelan Government Statement:
> “People to the streets! The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.”
President Nicolás Maduro ordered all national defense plans to be implemented and declared a state of external disturbance.
President Nicolás Maduro:
> “Ordered all national defense plans to be implemented” and declared “a state of external disturbance.”
U.S. Military Actions
The U.S. has been targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. As of Friday, 35 known strikes had been carried out, resulting in at least 115 deaths. The U.S. also seized sanctioned oil tankers and imposed a blockade on others.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Known boat strikes | 35 |
| People killed | at least 115 |
The Pentagon referred requests for comment to the White House, which has not yet responded. The Federal Aviation Authority banned U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace over ongoing military activity.
Key Takeaways
- Caracas experienced seven explosions at 2 a.m., prompting widespread alarm.
- The Venezuelan government called for mass mobilization and declared a state of external disturbance.
- The U.S. has carried out 35 boat strikes, killing at least 115 people, and has restricted air traffic over Venezuela.
The escalating tensions underscore a volatile relationship that could impact regional stability and international aviation policies. By Emily Carter Reynolds for News Of Philadelphia
