Residents of Venezuela’s capital were awakened by powerful explosions in the early hours of Saturday, with detonations commencing around 2:00 AM local time (0600 GMT). An AFP correspondent confirmed the disturbances, noting accompanying sounds reminiscent of aircraft flyovers. The unexplained blasts continued for at least fifteen minutes, though their precise origin remained unverified.
This development occurs against the backdrop of heightened military posturing from the United States. President Donald Trump revealed earlier this week that American forces had executed a targeted strike against a suspected Venezuelan narcotics trafficking facility. The operation, which Trump declined to attribute to either military or intelligence agencies, reportedly destroyed a coastal docking area allegedly used by drug-running vessels.
The administration characterizes this as part of an intensified counter-narcotics campaign, marking potentially the first documented land-based offensive on Venezuelan territory. President Nicolás Maduro has maintained ambiguity regarding the alleged strike, neither confirming nor denying its occurrence. In a notable shift, Maduro expressed willingness to explore cooperative measures with Washington following sustained US military pressure.
US officials have levied serious accusations against Maduro, alleging his direct involvement in narcotics operations—charges the socialist leader vehemently denies. Maduro contends that Washington’s true motivation involves regime change driven by Venezuela’s vast petroleum reserves, the largest globally verified.
Recent US measures have included informal airspace restrictions, expanded economic sanctions, and authorized seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers. Since September, American forces have conducted numerous maritime strikes in Caribbean and Pacific waters, purportedly targeting drug smuggling operations. These actions have resulted in significant casualties, with US military reports acknowledging at least 107 fatalities across approximately 30 engagements.
The legal basis for these operations remains subject to international debate, as the administration has not publicly substantiated its claims regarding the targeted vessels’ involvement in illicit activities.