CARACAS: Loud explosions accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard in Venezuela’s capital early on Saturday, according to an AFP journalist, amid heightened tensions between Caracas and Washington.
The explosions were first heard around 2am local time, with further blasts reported about 15 minutes later. The exact locations and causes of the explosions were not immediately clear, and Venezuelan authorities had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.
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The incident comes days after US President Donald Trump said the United States had struck and destroyed a docking area used by alleged Venezuelan drug boats. Trump declined to specify whether the operation was carried out by the US military or intelligence agencies, or where exactly it took place, saying only that it was “along the shore.”
Explosions now shaking Caracas.
Trump has launched an illegal bombing campaign. Families, children, people sleeping in their homes across Caracas are under attack. Bombings confirmed in La Guaira, Fuerte Tiuna, La Carlota.
This is a war crime. Stop the bombing of Venezuela! pic.twitter.com/8Ic1im2goc
— Manolo De Los Santos (@manolo_realengo) January 3, 2026
If confirmed, the reported strike would mark the first known US land attack on Venezuelan territory. President Nicolas Maduro has neither confirmed nor denied the alleged strike, but has said he remains open to dialogue with Washington despite weeks of escalating US military pressure.
The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading a drug trafficking network and says its actions are aimed at cracking down on narcotics smuggling. Maduro has strongly rejected the accusations, arguing that Washington is targeting his government for political reasons, including Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
In recent weeks, the United States has stepped up pressure on Caracas by deploying a navy task force to the Caribbean, seizing tankers carrying Venezuelan oil, imposing additional sanctions, and informally restricting Venezuelan airspace.
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US forces have also carried out numerous maritime strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since September, targeting vessels Washington claims are involved in drug trafficking. The administration has not provided public evidence to support these claims, prompting legal and human rights concerns.
According to figures released by the US military, at least 107 people have been killed in around 30 such strikes. As investigations continue, the situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with officials and observers closely monitoring developments in Caracas.