Venezuela Accuses US of Attacking Civilian and Military Targets in Multiple States
A wave of explosions rocked Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, early Saturday morning, prompting the government to accuse the United States of launching a military attack on civilian and military targets across multiple states. The blasts were accompanied by low-flying aircraft, sending shockwaves through the city.
The Venezuelan government has called on its supporters to take to the streets in response to what it described as an "imperialist attack" by the US. President Nicolás Maduro ordered the implementation of national defense plans and declared a state of external disturbance, which gives him the power to suspend people's rights and expand the role of the armed forces.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned all commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to "ongoing military activity" ahead of the explosions. The US Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the region, remained silent on the matter.
Saturday's blasts come amid escalating tensions between Venezuela and the US. The Trump administration has been conducting a sustained campaign of targeted strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in at least 115 reported deaths. The US has also imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil tankers and threatened to impose a blockade on the country.
Venezuela has long accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs, including attempts to overthrow President Maduro's government. Iran, which has close ties with Venezuela, also reported on the explosions, further straining relations between the two countries.
The US has denied involvement in the blasts and referred requests for comment to the White House, which did not respond immediately. The Pentagon remains tight-lipped about the situation, refusing to confirm or deny any involvement by US forces.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that Venezuela's fragile stability is under threat from a combination of internal and external pressures. The country's relations with the international community will be crucial in determining its future path forward.
A wave of explosions rocked Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, early Saturday morning, prompting the government to accuse the United States of launching a military attack on civilian and military targets across multiple states. The blasts were accompanied by low-flying aircraft, sending shockwaves through the city.
The Venezuelan government has called on its supporters to take to the streets in response to what it described as an "imperialist attack" by the US. President Nicolás Maduro ordered the implementation of national defense plans and declared a state of external disturbance, which gives him the power to suspend people's rights and expand the role of the armed forces.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned all commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to "ongoing military activity" ahead of the explosions. The US Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the region, remained silent on the matter.
Saturday's blasts come amid escalating tensions between Venezuela and the US. The Trump administration has been conducting a sustained campaign of targeted strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in at least 115 reported deaths. The US has also imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil tankers and threatened to impose a blockade on the country.
Venezuela has long accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs, including attempts to overthrow President Maduro's government. Iran, which has close ties with Venezuela, also reported on the explosions, further straining relations between the two countries.
The US has denied involvement in the blasts and referred requests for comment to the White House, which did not respond immediately. The Pentagon remains tight-lipped about the situation, refusing to confirm or deny any involvement by US forces.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that Venezuela's fragile stability is under threat from a combination of internal and external pressures. The country's relations with the international community will be crucial in determining its future path forward.