Tension in Caracas as Explosion Hit Near Strategic Military Base amid US Standoff 

A series of powerful explosions rocked Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky near a major military base and intensifying fears of a dangerous escalation in the country’s standoff with the United States.

According to Al Jazeera as gathered by Talk Nigeria, multiple blasts were heard across several districts of the capital, with video footage circulating online showing fireballs and heavy smoke rising from a structure located beside a body of water. The explosions were reported to have occurred near Fortuna, one of Caracas’ most strategic military bases.

Al Jazeera correspondent Lucia Newman said the blasts were followed by a widespread blackout in the surrounding area, heightening uncertainty over the nature of the incident. While the exact cause of the explosions remains unclear, Newman noted growing speculation that the United States could be linked to the incident. She also raised the possibility of internal sabotage by factions within the Venezuelan military seeking to destabilise President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

The Associated Press reported that at least seven explosions were heard across the capital, accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft, a development that further fuelled speculation of a coordinated military operation. Residents in parts of southern Caracas reported panic as electricity was cut shortly after the blasts.

The incident comes amid rising diplomatic and military tensions between Caracas and Washington. In recent days, President Maduro indicated a willingness to engage the United States in talks on combating drug trafficking, even as he remained evasive over reports of a CIA-backed strike on Venezuelan territory last week.

In an interview aired on Thursday, Maduro adopted a more conciliatory tone toward Washington despite months of sweeping US sanctions and sustained pressure. However, he reiterated accusations that the United States was seeking to overthrow his government and gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Asked directly whether he could confirm or deny a US attack on Venezuelan soil, Maduro responded cautiously, saying the matter could be addressed “in a few days.”

Maduro further accused the administration of President Donald Trump of attempting to impose its will on Venezuela through “threats, intimidation and force.” The interview was recorded on New Year’s Eve, the same day the US military announced it had carried out strikes on five alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing at least five people.

Figures released by the Trump administration indicate that the latest operation brings the total number of known boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to 35, with at least 115 people reportedly killed. Venezuelans and Colombians are among the victims.

In a statement issued after the explosions, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of launching coordinated attacks on both civilian and military installations, describing the incident as an act of “military aggression.” Authorities claimed the alleged strikes were not limited to Caracas but also affected the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, targeting strategic infrastructure and security facilities.

The government further accused Washington of orchestrating the attacks in an attempt to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources, insisting such efforts would fail. In response, President Maduro declared a nationwide state of emergency, placing security forces on high alert and ordering immediate measures to protect critical infrastructure.

As of the time of reporting, the United States had not issued an official response to the allegations.