Explosions were heard across Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, with plumes of thick smoke seen rising near a key military installation, heightening fears of a new flashpoint in the country’s worsening standoff with the United States.
Al Jazeera reports that multiple blasts echoed through parts of the capital, with video footage showing balls of fire and heavy smoke billowing from a structure located beside a body of water.
Citing sources, Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman said the explosions occurred near or around Fortuna, one of Caracas’ main and most strategic military bases.
“Fortuna is a key military base there. A series of explosions were reportedly heard throughout the area followed by a blackout,” Newman said.
She added that there is a growing presumption that the United States may be linked to the incident, though the exact cause remains unclear.
“We don’t know yet how this explosion happened. There is also a possibility that this is an act of an internal sabotage among elements of the military who are trying to oust President Nicolas Maduro,” Newman said.
The Associated Press reported that at least seven explosions were heard across Caracas, accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft, further fuelling speculation of a coordinated military operation.
The explosions come amid escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington.
In recent days, President Maduro signalled that Venezuela was open to negotiations with the United States on combating drug trafficking, even as he remained evasive about reports of a CIA-backed strike on Venezuelan territory last week.
Speaking in an interview aired on Thursday, Maduro struck a more conciliatory tone toward Washington, despite months of sweeping US sanctions and sustained military pressure.
However, he renewed accusations that the United States is seeking to overthrow his government and gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
Asked directly whether he could confirm or deny a US attack on Venezuelan soil, Maduro responded cautiously: “This could be something we talk about in a few days.”
Maduro said the approach of the Trump administration made it “clear” that the US was attempting to impose its will on Venezuela through “threats, intimidation and force.”
The interview was recorded on New Year’s Eve, the same day the US military announced it had struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing at least five people.
According to figures released by the Trump administration, the latest attacks bring the total number of known boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to 35, with at least 115 people reportedly killed. Venezuelans and Colombians are among the victims.
At least seven explosions were heard in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, on Friday, triggering panic across parts of the city and raising fears of a major security escalation, according to The Associated Press.
It was gathered that the blasts were followed by the sight of a low-flying aircraft over the southern area of the capital, a zone located close to a major military base.
The same area was reportedly plunged into darkness as electricity supply was cut shortly after the explosions.
In a statement, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of launching coordinated attacks on both civilian and military installations in several parts of the country, describing the incident as a “military aggression.”
According to the government, the alleged attacks were not limited to Caracas but also affected the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Authorities claimed the strikes targeted strategic infrastructure and security facilities.
Caracas further accused Washington of orchestrating the assault in a bid to seize Venezuela’s vast oil and mineral resources, insisting that such efforts would fail.
Following the explosions, President Nicolás Maduro announced a nationwide state of emergency, placing security forces on high alert and ordering measures to protect critical infrastructure.
However, the United States had not issued any official response to the allegations.
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