Caracas blasts: The early hours of Saturday brought chaos to Venezuela’s capital, Caracas as multiple explosions shook neighbourhoods and left parts of the city in panic. Columns of smoke and the rumble of blasts were reported across the southern districts, near key military installations, leaving residents alarmed and uncertain about the source or scale of the attacks.
Venezuela Explosions: A City in Shock
At least seven distinct explosions were heard, accompanied by the sight of low-flying aircraft, according to eyewitnesses and media reports. Social media quickly filled with videos allegedly capturing the blasts, though many remain unverified. Residents fled into the streets and reports of gunfire added to the sense of fear. The blackouts affecting the southern part of the city heightened the feeling of disruption and uncertainty.
🚨 BREAKING: At least six large EXPLOSIONS have just occurred throughout Caracas, the capital of Venezuela
Unconfirmed reports of potential U.S. airstrikes targeting military infrastructure
President Trump may have just dropped the hammer. pic.twitter.com/R0iLgG9303
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 3, 2026
US Military Actions & Threats
These explosions come amid ongoing US pressure on Venezuela under the Trump administration. Washington has imposed sanctions, seized oil tankers, and carried out airstrikes on land and maritime targets accused of drug smuggling. Recent operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have killed over 100 individuals in at least 30 strikes. Trump has repeatedly signaled the potential for broader interventions including ground operations to push President Nicolas Maduro from power.
Venezuela Explosions: President Maduro’s Response
President Maduro has dismissed accusations linking his government to criminal activity, framing US actions as an attempt to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth. The government has not issued an official statement on the Saturday explosions, leaving room for speculation and heightening tensions both domestically and internationally.
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Venezuela Explosions: Aviation Warnings & Safety Measures
The US Federal Aviation Administration quickly issued a NOTAM prohibiting American aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace, citing safety of flight risks associated with ongoing military activity. The Air Force reportedly disabled flight tracking transponders for US planes, signaling the severity of the security situation and the potential dangers to commercial operations in the region.
Venezuela Explosions: Uncertainty & Global Implications
The Venezuelan government nor the Pentagon providing clarification, the true cause and scope of the explosions remain unknown. The incident highlights the fragile state of US-Venezuela relations and the risks posed to civilians, regional security and international trade routes. Meanwhile, calls for dialogue on drug trafficking and conflict mitigation continue, though trust between the parties remains minimal.
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Disclaimer: Reports of explosions in Caracas are based on media and eyewitness accounts; official confirmation from authorities is pending.
