In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of launching attacks on civilian and military installations across multiple states. The accusations followed a series of explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft heard in Caracas around 02:00 local time on Saturday. Smoke was reported rising from a military base in the capital, as residents expressed panic and confusion.
Government Response to Alleged Attacks
President Nicolás Maduro responded swiftly, declaring a “state of external disturbance” and ordering the implementation of national defense plans. The government called on supporters to mobilize, urging, “People to the streets!” Such statements indicated an attempt to rally public sentiment against what they termed an “imperialist attack.”
Witnesses described the chaos unfolding in Caracas. Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, recounted her experience: “The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes. We felt like the air was hitting us.” Residents flooded the streets in alarm as the situation unfolded.
The Pentagon has not provided comments on the accusations, having referred inquiries to the White House, which did not respond immediately to requests for information. Concurrently, the Federal Aviation Authority imposed a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace, citing “ongoing military activity” prior to the explosions.
Context of U.S.-Venezuela Relations
This incident follows a series of U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug-smuggling vessels. The U.S. has claimed to be actively combating drug trafficking in the region, with recent operations resulting in at least 115 fatalities and 35 known boat strikes since September 2023. The U.S. military presence in the Caribbean has significantly increased, featuring the deployment of advanced aircraft carriers.
Maduro has publicly acknowledged the U.S. military’s actions, stating that they aim to destabilize his government and gain access to Venezuela’s extensive oil reserves. In a pre-recorded interview aired on Thursday, he claimed the U.S. is intent on orchestrating a change in Venezuela’s leadership.
The recent military activity is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration, which has intensified its efforts to counter what it perceives as threats from Venezuelan drug cartels. The administration has previously threatened to conduct strikes on Venezuelan soil, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the South American nation.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, with implications for regional stability and U.S.-Latin American relations. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as both governments respond to the ongoing crisis.
