Caracas was thrust into chaos in the early hours of Saturday as multiple explosions reverberated through the Venezuelan capital. Eyewitness accounts and circulating social media footage depicted plumes of smoke ascending from key military installations, including La Carlota airfield and the primary Fuerte Tiuna military base. The immediate aftermath saw several surrounding communities plunged into darkness due to widespread power outages.
US officials confirmed to CBS News that President Donald Trump authorized targeted strikes against Venezuelan military sites. This aggressive action follows the recent deployment of a US naval task force to the Caribbean region, where Washington has been conducting operations against vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking. Just days prior, Trump had publicly acknowledged a US strike on a dock area connected to alleged Venezuelan drug operations.
The Venezuelan government issued a vehement statement condemning what it characterized as “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States. The administration of President Nicolás Maduro declared a national emergency while appealing to the international community to denounce American actions. Maduro has consistently accused Washington of pursuing regime change tactics and seeking control over Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.
The White House and Pentagon maintained official silence regarding the operations as of Saturday morning. This development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, with the US government having previously labeled Maduro as illegitimate and directly implicated him in international drug smuggling operations. The 2025 Venezuelan presidential election results had drawn widespread international criticism and skepticism.