Venezuela Denounces US Military Threat Following Loud Explosions in Capital

• Column of smoke visible, loud noises reported in Caracas.
• U.S. Pentagon is holding back from official comments on the attack.
• Trump administration officials acknowledge reports of explosions.

Early Saturday morning, Caracas residents heard loud booms and saw at least one smoke column near a key military installation, with some areas in the south of the city losing power, according to Reuters witnesses.

U.S. President Donald Trump has committed to possible military action in Venezuela, intensifying pressure on President Nicolas Maduro through increased sanctions, a growing military presence in the Caribbean and Pacific, and over 25 strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking in regional waters.

Venezuela has condemned what it calls “U.S. military aggression,” with President Maduro’s government stating Thursday’s attacks targeted Caracas and neighboring states Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, prompting Maduro to declare a national emergency and rally social and political groups to activate mobilization plans.

CBS reporter Jennifer Jacobs tweeted that U.S. officials are aware of explosions and aircraft activity in Caracas early Saturday.

The Pentagon has not yet issued an official statement.

Nicolas Maduro has accused the Trump administration of trying to oust his government to seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a warning on X, stating, “They are bombing Caracas with missiles. The Organization of American States and the United Nations should meet immediately.”

Petro, who hasn’t provided details or sources for his claims, has long opposed U.S. efforts to pressure Caracas.

The U.S. has increased military assets in the region, including aircraft carriers, warships, and advanced fighters stationed in the Caribbean.

President Trump announced a blockade of Venezuelan oil exports, tougher sanctions, and over two dozen strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, claiming to have targeted a drug-loading area last week—marking the first known U.S. land operation in Venezuela since the pressure campaign began.

It remains unclear whether the strikes were conducted by the CIA or other U.S. agencies. Some media reports suggest federal involvement.

Trump has alleged Venezuela’s role in flooding U.S. markets with drugs. For months, the administration has been attacking vessels linked to South American drug trafficking, though Maduro’s government denies involvement in drug crimes.