Explosions and low-flying aircraft reported in Venezuelan capital Caracas – live
Key eventsShow key events onlyPlease turn on JavaScript to use this featureVenezuela accuses US over attacksVenezuela has stated it rejects “military aggression” from the United States, according to a statement from President Nicolas Maduro’s administration early Saturday. “People to the streets!” the announcement urged. “The Bolivarian Government calls upon all social and political entities in the nation to initiate mobilization strategies and denounce this imperialist assault.” The statement further mentioned that President Nicolás Maduro had “ordered the execution of all national defence strategies” and proclaimed “a state of external disturbance.”We’ll provide more updates as they come…ShareVenezuela’s administration has now addressed the explosions, attributing them to assaults on the nation. The incidents occurred in Caracas as well as Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira states, as reported in a statement relayed by Reuters.ShareTom PhillipsMy colleague and the Guardian’s Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips has more insights on the situation in Caracas:Explosions, loud booms, and low-flying aircraft have been reported over the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, amidst claims that Donald Trump authorized strikes against the South American nation. During the early hours of Saturday, the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, asserted on social media that Venezuela was facing an attack. “Right now they are bombing Caracas … bombing it with missiles,” Petro posted on X, prompting a call for an emergency meeting of the UN security council. Shortly thereafter, CBS News indicated that Trump had indeed ordered strikes—including on military sites. At least seven explosions were documented around 2am local time, causing residents in different neighborhoods to pour into the streets, according to the Associated Press. “The entire ground shook. This is dreadful. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance,” remarked Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker. Eyewitnesses reported observing smoke billowing from two significant military sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield located in the city center and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, is believed to reside. Venezuela’s government has not yet replied to a request for comment. The explosions occur in the wake of a five-month pressure campaign by the US directed at Maduro, which many experts suggest aims at dislodging the Venezuelan leader. Since August, Donald Trump has commanded a considerable military buildup off Venezuela’s northern coast and conducted a sequence of lethal airstrikes on alleged “narco boats.” The White House and Pentagon have not yet provided a response to inquiries on Saturday morning.ShareColombian president calls for emergency UN security council meetingThe president of Colombia is asserting on social media that Venezuela is experiencing an attack. “Right now they are bombing Caracas … bombing it with missiles,” Gustavo Petro posted on X, requesting an urgent emergency session of the UN security council. He added: “Colombia since yesterday is a member of the United Nations Security Council and must be convened at once. Establish the international legality of the aggression against Venezuela. The PMU is activated in Cúcuta and the operational plan at the border.”ShareUpdated at 07.39 GMTExplosions reported in CaracasHello and welcome to our live updates on the evolving scenario in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Witnesses have reported hearing explosions and aircraft sounds in Caracas early Saturday morning. A southern area of the city, close to a significant military base, is reportedly experiencing a power outage. We’ll provide updates as they become available.
Published: 2026-01-03 07:44:00
source: www.theguardian.com
