Residents of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, were jolted awake in the early hours by a series of loud explosions, with reports of low-flying aircraft and subsequent power outages in parts of the city.
Early Morning Blasts Cause Alarm
According to witness accounts and reports from the Associated Press, at least seven distinct explosions were heard around 2:00 am local time. The loud noises prompted people from various neighbourhoods to rush into the streets seeking information and safety. The incident centred on the La Carlota airport in Caracas, where plumes of smoke were seen rising into the night sky.
Power Cuts and Unconfirmed Causes
Simultaneously, a southern sector of Caracas experienced a loss of electricity, though it was not immediately clear if this was directly linked to the blasts. The cause of the explosions remains unconfirmed, as Venezuela’s government has not issued an immediate statement in response to requests for comment. The Pentagon also did not provide an immediate reaction when approached.
Heightened Regional Tensions as Backdrop
This alarming event occurs against a backdrop of significantly increased strain between the United States and Venezuela. The US military has recently intensified operations targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling in the region. Furthermore, former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly discussed potential land operations in Venezuela as part of a sustained campaign to pressure President Nicolás Maduro to relinquish power.
This pressure strategy has included expanded economic sanctions, a ramped-up US military presence around Venezuela, and more than two dozen strikes on boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The explosions in Caracas mark a serious and developing incident within this volatile geopolitical context.
