Venezuela Accuses US of Military Aggression After Explosions Rock Caracas

New Delhi: Venezuela accuses US military aggression in its first official response after a series of loud explosions were reported in the capital city, Caracas, triggering panic among residents and escalating already strained relations between the two countries. The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the United States, accusing the Donald Trump-led administration of carrying out what it described as an “extremely serious military aggression,” according to local media reports.

In a sharply worded statement, Caracas alleged that the apparent attack was aimed at seizing Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly its vast oil and mineral reserves. The government claimed the actions were intended to forcibly undermine the country’s political independence and sovereignty.

The statement followed reports from residents who said they heard multiple loud explosions and aircraft-like sounds over Caracas in the early hours of Saturday.

Venezuela Accuses US Military Aggression After Explosions in Caracas

According to media reports, the explosions occurred around 2:00 a.m. local time and were heard across several parts of the Venezuelan capital. At least seven powerful blasts were reported, sending shockwaves through neighbourhoods and forcing residents to flee their homes in fear.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion and anxiety as people rushed onto the streets, uncertain about the source of the explosions. Videos shared widely on social media appeared to show plumes of smoke rising from multiple locations in Caracas, although the authenticity of these images could not be independently verified.

Following the incidents, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a national emergency, citing concerns over public safety and national security.

Power and Telecom Disruptions Reported as Panic Spreads

The sudden explosions reportedly led to brief power outages in several areas of Caracas, including at least one military base within the city. Partial disruptions to telecommunication services were also reported, further adding to public unease during the early morning hours.

Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the extent of the damage or whether there were any casualties. Investigations are ongoing, and officials have urged the public to remain calm while security agencies assess the situation.

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The lack of immediate clarity has fueled speculation, with the government reiterating that the incident should be viewed in the context of ongoing external threats against Venezuela.

US Warnings, Sanctions Add to Rising Tensions

The explosions come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned about the possibility of ground operations in Venezuela as part of efforts to remove President Maduro from power. His administration has intensified economic sanctions, expanded military presence in the region, and accused vessels operating in the Caribbean and Pacific of drug trafficking.

Recently, the US government announced sanctions against 10 entities and individuals in Iran and Venezuela, alleging that Tehran had supplied conventional weapons to Caracas, posing a threat to US interests across the Western Hemisphere, including the US homeland.

According to statements from the US Department of State and the US Department of the Treasury, a Venezuelan company targeted by the sanctions was allegedly involved in selling millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian-designed combat unmanned aerial vehicles.

Drone Strikes and Longstanding Hostility Shape the Crisis

Other sanctioned entities and individuals were accused of supporting procurement networks linked to Iran’s drone and ballistic missile programs. US officials said these activities violate United Nations restrictions and threaten regional stability.

US authorities have also pointed to Iran’s UAV and missile programs as dangers to American and allied personnel in the Middle East and as factors disrupting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Relations between the United States and Venezuela have remained deeply strained for years, with Caracas accusing Washington of pursuing regime change under the guise of anti-narcotics operations. Adding to the tension, a CIA drone strike in December last year targeted a dock facility along Venezuela’s coast, marking the first known land strike by the Trump administration inside the oil-rich country. US officials said the facility was allegedly used by a Venezuelan gang to store and ship drugs.

As investigations into the Caracas explosions continue, the situation has further heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region, reinforcing Venezuela’s claims that it is under direct external threat.

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)