Venezuela’s government has accused the United States of conducting military strikes on civilian and military installations throughout the country. The allegations come following a series of explosions and low-flying aircraft that were reported around 2 a.m. local time on Saturday in the capital, Caracas, triggering panic among residents.
According to local reports, at least seven explosions were heard, with smoke rising from a military hangar in the city. Additionally, one military installation in Caracas was left without power. Residents rushed into the streets, expressing their fear and confusion. “The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes,” said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker. Her voice trembled as she recounted her experience while walking with relatives after a birthday celebration. “We felt like the air was hitting us.”
Government Response and Call for Mobilization
The Venezuelan government swiftly called on its supporters to mobilize in response to what it termed an “imperialist attack.” A statement from the government urged, “People to the streets!” and emphasized that President Nicolás Maduro had ordered the implementation of all national defense plans, declaring a “state of external disturbance.” This reflects the heightened tensions between Venezuela and the U.S.
In a related development, the Federal Aviation Authority announced a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to “ongoing military activity.” This decision was made prior to the reported explosions in Caracas, highlighting the escalating conflict.
U.S. Military Actions and Accusations
The accusations from Venezuela come at a time when the U.S. military has been actively targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region. Venezuelan officials indicated their willingness to negotiate an agreement with the U.S. to combat drug trafficking, despite ongoing tensions. In a pre-taped interview aired on March 14, 2024, Maduro claimed that the U.S. aims to instigate a government change in Venezuela and gain access to the nation’s vast oil reserves.
Maduro has faced charges of narco-terrorism in the U.S., and last week, a drone strike attributed to the CIA targeted a docking area believed to be used by Venezuelan drug cartels. This marked an escalation in U.S. operations on Venezuelan soil, following a campaign that began with strikes on boats in September 2023.
Donald Trump, during his presidency, had warned of potential strikes on Venezuelan targets. The U.S. has also imposed sanctions on oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast and initiated a blockade aimed at tightening the economic pressure on the country. Since early September, U.S. military actions in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean have resulted in at least 115 fatalities, according to figures released by the Trump administration.
Trump justified these military actions as necessary to combat the flow of drugs into the U.S., framing it as an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. The recent explosions in Caracas have intensified scrutiny of the U.S.-Venezuela relations, as both governments navigate a complex and volatile geopolitical landscape.
