Venezuela has accused the United States of carrying out coordinated attacks on both civilian and military sites across multiple regions, sharply condemning what it described as an act of foreign military aggression. In an official statement, the government said the incidents took place on Saturday in the capital, Caracas, and in the surrounding states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Caracas claimed the alleged strikes were part of a broader attempt by Washington to undermine the country’s sovereignty and gain control of its oil and mineral wealth, insisting such efforts would fail. President Nicolás Maduro responded by declaring a nationwide state of emergency as tensions escalated rapidly.
The United States has not issued an official response to the accusations.
Residents in Caracas reported hearing loud explosions, with thick smoke seen rising over parts of the city. Video footage circulating in local and international media showed large bursts of fire near a waterfront structure in the early hours of Saturday. According to witnesses and journalists, the blasts appeared to occur close to Fort Tiuna, one of Venezuela’s most important military installations.
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According to reports, multiple explosions were followed by power outages in parts of the capital. She noted that while Venezuelan authorities suggested US involvement, the exact cause of the blasts remained unclear. Newman added that internal sabotage by dissident elements within the military could not be ruled out.
Journalists on the ground described scenes of panic. A Caracas-based reporter said the explosions shook nearby buildings, lighting up the sky with what appeared to be a large fireball. Low-flying aircraft were also reported overhead, though no further blasts followed.
The Associated Press cited witnesses who said at least seven explosions were heard across the city, with smoke later visible near La Carlota airport. Residents poured into the streets in several neighborhoods, some visibly shaken. A young office worker described the ground trembling beneath her feet, saying it felt as though waves of air were slamming into people.
The incident comes amid weeks of rising friction between Caracas and Washington. US President Donald Trump has recently threatened strikes on targets he claims are linked to drug trafficking networks, including operations he alleges are connected to the Venezuelan state. Earlier this week, Trump disclosed a strike on what he described as a docking area used by Venezuelan drug boats.
Maduro has rejected those claims, accusing the US of using anti-narcotics rhetoric as cover for political and economic pressure aimed at removing his government. While he has said Venezuela remains open to dialogue on combating drug trafficking, he maintains that Washington is pursuing regime change through sanctions, intimidation, and military force.