U.S. Strikes Venezuela as Explosions Rock Caracas, Power Outages Reported
U.S. Strikes Venezuela as Explosions Rock Caracas, Power Outages Spread
Breaking News | MB Daily News – Los Angeles, CA
U.S. military forces launched strikes on Venezuela early Saturday, triggering multiple explosions across Caracas and plunging parts of the capital into darkness, according to residents and Venezuelan officials. The attacks sharply escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas amid months of heightened military pressure in the region.
Explosions and Power Outages Shake the Capital
Residents across Caracas reported hearing at least six powerful explosions shortly before 2 a.m. local time as military aircraft and helicopters flew overhead. Videos posted on social media show major blasts followed by thick plumes of black smoke rising over the city. Shortly after the explosions, widespread power outages cut electricity to several neighborhoods.
Government Reports Strikes Across Multiple States
Venezuela’s government said the strikes extended beyond the capital. Officials reported impacts in the coastal states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, suggesting a coordinated operation targeting several strategic locations.
U.S. Official Confirms Military Operation
A U.S. official confirmed that American forces have launched a military operation in Venezuela but declined to disclose specific targets. U.S. Southern Command and the Department of Defense referred all questions to the White House, which has not yet issued a public statement. The official said the administration plans to comment once U.S. aircraft leave Venezuelan airspace.
Trump Warnings Preceded the Attack
The strikes followed repeated warnings from President Donald Trump, who had threatened land-based military action against Venezuela in recent weeks. The escalation comes after months of U.S. air and naval operations targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.
U.S. Expands Military Presence in the Caribbean
In recent weeks, the U.S. military moved large numbers of special operations aircraft, troops, and equipment into the Caribbean. Defense officials say several of these units specialize in high-risk extraction, infiltration missions, and close air support for ground operations.
Embassy Issues Emergency Warning
The U.S. Embassy in neighboring Colombia issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens believed to be in Venezuela. Embassy officials in Bogotá said they received reports of explosions in and around Caracas and warned U.S. nationals to avoid all travel to the country.
The State Department withdrew all diplomatic personnel from Caracas in 2019 and suspended embassy operations, citing security risks.
Chaos Near Military Headquarters
Videos circulating online show chaotic scenes near Fort Tiuna, Venezuela’s main military headquarters in Caracas. Footage appears to capture dozens of vehicles fleeing the area at high speed while hundreds of civilians ran through streets in total darkness due to extensive power blackouts.
Venezuela Orders Nationwide Mobilization
In response to the strikes, Venezuela’s government ordered a general mobilization of political and social forces. Officials called on citizens to prepare to defend the country against what they described as an “imperialist attack” and accused the U.S. of violating national sovereignty.