TL;DR
At least seven explosions and reports of low-flying aircraft were heard across Caracas in the early hours, with eyewitnesses seeing smoke at military sites. Colombian president Gustavo Petro said Caracas was being bombed and called for an emergency UN Security Council session; media outlets reported the strikes were ordered by US President Donald Trump, but US officials did not respond to requests for comment.
What happened
In the early hours of Saturday, residents across Caracas reported loud detonations and aircraft noise. Around 2am local time at least seven explosions were heard and people left their homes to investigate. Eyewitnesses described smoke coming from the La Carlota military airfield in central Caracas and from the Fuerte Tiuna military base; observers also reported an attack on Higuerote airport to the east. A southern part of the city experienced a power outage. Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, posted on social media that Caracas was being bombed and urged an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council. CBS News reported that US President Donald Trump had ordered strikes, including on military facilities; the White House and the Pentagon did not reply to requests for comment. Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to inquiries. The events follow months of increasing US pressure on President Nicolás Maduro.
Why it matters
- If confirmed, strikes on military installations would represent a significant escalation between the US and Venezuela.
- Attacks in densely populated areas risk civilian harm and infrastructure damage, including power outages.
- Regional diplomatic tensions could rise, illustrated by Colombia’s call for a UN Security Council session.
- The incidents occur amid an ongoing US campaign of military and economic pressure that has already affected Venezuelan shipping and oil assets.
Key facts
- Residents reported at least seven explosions in Caracas around 2am local time.
- Eyewitnesses said smoke was visible at La Carlota military airfield and Fuerte Tiuna military base.
- Observers also reported an apparent attack on Higuerote airport east of Caracas.
- A southern sector of Caracas experienced a power outage during the events.
- Colombian president Gustavo Petro wrote on social media that Caracas was being bombed and called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting.
- CBS News reported that US President Donald Trump had ordered strikes, including on military facilities.
- The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment, and Venezuela’s government did not immediately reply to inquiries.
- The incidents come after a five-month period of heightened US pressure on Nicolás Maduro, including a military buildup, strikes on vessels described as 'narco boats', sanctions, and seizures or blockades of tankers.
What to watch next
- Any official confirmation or denial from the US government or Pentagon regarding responsibility for the strikes (not confirmed in the source).
- Statements or damage and casualty assessments from Venezuelan authorities or independent monitors (not confirmed in the source).
- Whether the UN Security Council convenes in response to Colombia’s call and what measures, if any, are proposed (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Military airfield: An airport or airbase used primarily for military aircraft operations and related support.
- Military base: A facility where armed forces are stationed or operate, which can include housing, command centers, and weaponry.
- Sanctions: Economic or diplomatic penalties imposed by one state or group of states on another to influence behavior without using military force.
- UN Security Council: The United Nations body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, which can convene emergency sessions and authorize actions among member states.
Reader FAQ
Have US forces been officially confirmed to have carried out strikes on Caracas?
CBS News reported that President Trump ordered strikes, but the White House and the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment.
Were there reported casualties or damage figures?
Not confirmed in the source.
Which locations in Caracas were reported to have been hit?
Eyewitnesses reported smoke at La Carlota military airfield and Fuerte Tiuna military base; Higuerote airport to the east was also reported affected.
Did Venezuela or other governments respond?
Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to requests for comment; Colombia’s president publicly said Caracas was being bombed and called for a UN Security Council emergency session.
View image in fullscreen Smoke rises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas, Venezuela Photograph: Matias Delacroix/AP Venezuela Venezuela accuses US of attacking Caracas…
Sources
- Explosions reported in Venezuelan capital Caracas
- Indigenous community reports 'major explosion' in Venezuela …
- Multiple explosions rock Venezuelan capital Caracas
- Venezuela's capital goes dark after multiple blasts heard …
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- At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft reported over Caracas Saturday