A series of at least seven explosions were reported in Venezuela’s capital early Saturday, accompanied by low-altitude aircraft activity, prompting the government of President Nicolás Maduro to accuse the United States of launching attacks on both civilian and military sites after weeks of escalating pressure.
Prior to the incidents in Caracas, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration prohibited American commercial flights from entering Venezuelan airspace, citing “ongoing military activity.” Washington has not issued an immediate response regarding its involvement, the nature of the targets, or the strategic objective of the strikes.
The developments follow a sustained campaign by the Trump administration against Maduro’s government. The Venezuelan leader has been charged in the United States with narco-terrorism, intensifying diplomatic and security tensions between the two countries. President Donald Trump had repeatedly warned in recent months that military action against targets inside Venezuela was being considered, particularly in response to alleged drug-trafficking operations involving maritime routes.
Maduro has rejected the accusations and characterized U.S. actions as an attempt to remove him from office.
Meanwhile, Washington has expanded its military footprint in the region, combining security operations with economic pressure. U.S. authorities have confiscated oil tankers subject to sanctions near Venezuelan waters, while additional vessels were blocked under orders from President Trump—measures widely seen as aimed at further restricting the country’s already strained economy.
Since early September, U.S. forces have conducted repeated operations against boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The latest events underscore growing geopolitical risks surrounding Venezuela, with potential implications for regional stability, energy markets, and investor sentiment toward Latin American assets amid heightened uncertainty.
