Explosions Shake Caracas Amid Rising U.S. Tensions

Explosions reverberated across Caracas early in the morning, startling residents throughout the city. The sound of blasts was accompanied by persistent aircraft overhead and significant smoke plumes, sparking widespread panic and speculation on social media.

Details of the Explosions in Caracas

Initial reports indicated that military installations in Caracas were targeted. Key locations that experienced attacks included:

• Fuerte Tiuna – the main military base in southern Caracas.
• La Carlota Air Base.
• Cuartel de la Montaña – a notable site as it houses the remains of Hugo Chávez.
• Maracay and La Guaira military installations.
• Higuerote Airport along the central coast.

Witnesses reported a large fire visible in the distance just moments after the explosions began, leading to an extensive cloud of gray smoke over the city. Military helicopters were also seen flying in the area, intensifying the atmosphere of unease.

No Official Response

As of two hours post-explosions, there had been no communication from the government of Nicolás Maduro regarding the situation. This escalation occurs amidst four months of rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela, punctuated by threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential military actions.

Trump has asserted that such actions would initially focus on combatting drug trafficking. He later claimed that they would aim to reclaim control of Venezuela’s oil sector, which he argues was unlawfully seized from American companies.

According to CBS journalist Jennifer Jacobs, while there have been no formal statements issued, White House officials are aware of the events unfolding in Venezuela. Just last week, Trump mentioned that a prior ground attack had been executed against a dock utilized by drug traffickers in December.

Reports suggest that this attack occurred in Alta Guajira, near the Colombian border, and was also confirmed by Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Further developments are anticipated as the situation unfolds.