Venezuela has accused the US of carrying out a military attack on its capital after multiple explosions struck Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, triggering panic across the city. The blasts, some reported near important army installations, sent residents fleeing into the streets as power outages hit parts of the capital.
In its first official response, the Maduro government directly blamed US President Donald Trump, calling the incident a calculated act of aggression aimed at destabilising the country and forcing political change.
Venezuela Explosion: Multiple Blasts Near Army Bases Spark Panic in Caracas
Residents across Caracas reported at least seven loud explosions around 2:00 am local time on January 3. Several of the blasts were heard close to major military facilities, raising fears of a targeted strike on army bases.
Witnesses described the sound of aircraft overhead moments before the explosions. Smoke was seen rising from multiple locations, while parts of southern Caracas, including areas near military installations, experienced sudden blackouts.
The combination of explosions, aircraft noise, and loss of power triggered widespread panic, with many residents rushing outside in confusion and fear. Authorities have not yet released technical details about the exact targets, but officials acknowledged that military zones were affected.
Venezuela Accuses Trump of ‘Extremely Serious Military Aggression’
In a sharply worded statement, Venezuela blamed the Trump administration for what it described as an organised military assault.
The government said the attack was “extremely serious military aggression” intended “to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation’s political independence”.
Officials framed the blasts near army bases as evidence that the operation went beyond intimidation and crossed into direct military confrontation.
Why Venezuela Calls It a ‘Regime Change Attempt’?
Caracas argued that strikes near military infrastructure threaten national sovereignty and regional stability.
“This act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles I and II, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force.”
The government warned that the aggression “threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and that it “seriously endangers the lives of millions of people”.
Escalation Fears as Region Watches Closely
With explosions reported near army bases and no immediate clarification from Washington, concerns are rising about further escalation. Latin American governments traditionally oppose foreign military intervention, and Venezuela’s claims could push the issue into urgent diplomatic forums.
For now, Caracas remains tense as residents await clarity on whether the overnight blasts mark an isolated strike or the beginning of a wider confrontation.
