Caracas (Rajeev Sharma): The Venezuelan government moved swiftly to impose emergency measures early Saturday after a series of loud explosions and reports of aircraft flying at low altitude unsettled large parts of Caracas, sharply escalating tensions with the United States.
Officials said the incidents occurred around 2 am, when multiple blasts were heard across the capital. Witnesses described seeing smoke billowing from a hangar at a military air facility, while another defence-related site in the city experienced a sudden loss of electricity. In several districts, residents poured into the streets amid confusion and fear.
In an official communiqué, authorities accused the United States of launching attacks against both military and civilian infrastructure in different regions of the country. The statement characterised the events as a direct act of aggression and condemned what it described as foreign interference. Requests for comment sent to the White House and the Pentagon were not immediately answered.
The government also issued a public call for mobilisation, urging supporters and allied organisations to demonstrate in defence of national sovereignty. “Mobilise and reject this assault,” the statement urged, appealing for unity in response to what it termed an external threat.
President Nicolás Maduro ordered the immediate implementation of national defence and security protocols, according to the announcement. The administration further declared a “state of external disturbance,” a measure that allows authorities to heighten security and deploy additional resources.
The developments come against the backdrop of increased US military activity in the region, including recent actions targeting boats Washington claims are linked to drug trafficking. Notably, Venezuelan officials had said on Friday that they were open to discussions with the United States on potential cooperation to address narcotics smuggling.
As the situation unfolds, the cause of the explosions and aerial activity remains unclear, with international attention focused on Caracas amid fears of further escalation in an already volatile standoff.
