Explosions Rock Caracas Amid Rising Tensions with the US
Explosions in Caracas
On Saturday, the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, experienced a series of explosions, as reported by various news outlets.
The loud blasts, which were accompanied by sounds reminiscent of aircraft overhead, were noted around 2 AM local time.
The Venezuelan authorities characterized the event as a form of “military aggression” from the United States, according to reports. The explosions were reported not only in Caracas but also in the regions of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
In response to the alleged attack, President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency and called for military mobilization.
There was no immediate response from the US military or Washington regarding these claims.
This incident follows a series of US military operations targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels off the coast of Venezuela.
🇻🇪| AHORA: Explosiones en Caracas, Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/Bn7MiWNtf8
— Radar Austral (@RadarAustral_) January 3, 2026
US Military Operations and Tensions
Since late August, the US has significantly increased its military presence near the Venezuelan coast, claiming it aims to combat drug trafficking, particularly focusing on Venezuela.
The US government does not recognize Maduro's administration and has historically supported the Venezuelan opposition.
Recent tensions have escalated following statements from US President Donald Trump, who indicated a willingness to consider military action within Venezuela.
For weeks, Trump has threatened ground strikes against drug cartels, asserting that operations would commence soon. He recently announced the destruction of a docking facility used by alleged Venezuelan drug boats.
Maduro expressed his readiness to engage in negotiations with Trump regarding drug trafficking but refrained from commenting on the alleged US strike on the docking facility.
The US military's deployment in the Caribbean, aimed at addressing drug trafficking, includes the USS Gerald R Ford, the largest aircraft carrier strike group, along with advanced F-35 fighter jets.
On November 30, Trump declared that Venezuelan airspace should be regarded as closed. Subsequently, on December 10, the US military seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, claiming it was transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
On December 16, Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels entering or leaving Venezuela, intensifying Washington's military and economic pressure on Maduro's government. Venezuela's economy heavily relies on oil exports.
Trump claimed that the US aimed to reclaim oil he alleged was stolen by Venezuela, although it remains unclear what specific oil or land he was referencing, given that Venezuela nationalized its oil and gas sector in the 1970s.
This is an evolving situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.