Venezuela experienced a series of mysterious explosions this morning, with residents witnessing at least seven blasts and low-flying aircraft over Caracas, the capital city.
Reports of loud noises and visible smoke emerged from various locations in the city, coinciding with heightened tensions following recent threats from US President Donald Trump directed at Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Witnesses described being startled awake by the sounds of explosions and aircraft movements in the early hours.
The cause of the explosions remains unknown, with the initial blasts occurring around 1:50 am local time. Authorities have not provided an immediate explanation for the incident.
Among the affected areas was Fort Tiuna, the site of the Venezuelan defense ministry, and a region in southern Caracas near a significant military base where power outages were reported.
This development follows statements from President Trump indicating a potential shift from drone strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats to land operations. Trump, after a conversation with President Maduro, asserted on social media that Venezuelan airspace should be considered off-limits and hinted at imminent military action.
In a recent interview, Trump mentioned that US forces had already initiated land operations in Venezuela, citing recent strikes on a key facility related to drug trafficking activities. The Department of War has reportedly conducted multiple strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Atlantic since September last year, resulting in casualties and significant damage.
According to figures disclosed by the Trump administration, 35 boat strikes have been confirmed, leading to the deaths of at least 115 individuals in the past months.