Early Saturday morning, Caracas, Venezuela, erupted with at least half a dozen explosions, leading to intense speculation about a potential American military operation targeting Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The Associated Press reported that both Venezuelan and American officials remained tight-lipped about the unfolding situation. Eyewitness accounts began to surface on social media, where conservative journalist Nick Sortor shared footage of the apparent strikes, asserting there were “at least TWELVE explosions” across the capital.
Sortor identified the aircraft involved as possibly belonging to the Army’s 160th Airborne, known for their special operations capabilities. While this claim remains unverified, it aligns with the 160th Airborne’s increased presence in the Caribbean since tensions heightened in late 2025. It underscores a buildup of military resources in the region amidst escalating confrontations between the United States and the Maduro government.
Reports indicated at least seven explosions confirmed in and around Caracas, triggering considerable public reaction. The Associated Press detailed scenes of residents rushing into the streets, alarmed by the noises echoing through the neighborhoods. This highlights a distinctly precarious atmosphere in a city already grappling with the strain of a weakened economy and a beleaguered government.
The suspected airstrikes followed recent U.S. actions targeting narcoterrorism linked to Venezuela, including the seizure of tankers accused of evading sanctions. The backdrop to these developments is a complex web of drug trafficking and governmental corruption that has plagued Venezuela under Maduro’s leadership. Despite indications that the Venezuelan government might be willing to negotiate terms to curb drug smuggling, Maduro’s firm stance on maintaining oil exports amid international sanctions complicates the situation.
Amid all this, Maduro, in a recent pre-taped interview, accused the United States of attempting to orchestrate a government change in Venezuela. He dismissed the ongoing pressure as a ploy to gain control over the country’s abundant oil reserves. This rhetoric illustrates the deep-seated mistrust and tension that characterizes U.S.-Venezuelan relations. With the geopolitical stakes significantly raised, the series of explosions in Caracas signals a troubling escalation that will warrant close attention in the coming days.
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