Venezuela’s government has accused the United States of carrying out attacks on civilian and military sites across several states, including the capital, Caracas, as well as Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
The government claims the strikes were an attempt by Washington to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources, vowing that such efforts “will not succeed.” President Nicolas Maduro has declared a national state of emergency.
The US has not officially commented. However, a US official speaking anonymously to Reuters confirmed that the strike was carried out inside Venezuela, without providing further details.
Explosions and plumes of smoke were reported in Caracas, with witnesses describing balls of fire and thick smoke rising from a structure near water. Video footage obtained by Al Jazeera captured the blasts early on Saturday.
The Associated Press reported at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft in the capital. Images showed smoke rising from La Carlota airport following the explosions.
Tensions have been mounting in Venezuela after US President Donald Trump threatened attacks on alleged drug-trafficking targets in the region.
Earlier this week, he disclosed a strike on a docking area used by Venezuelan drug boats, marking the first known US attack on Venezuelan territory in the campaign.
Trump has repeatedly warned of potential ground strikes against drug cartels in Latin America, labelling Venezuela “narcoterrorists” and accusing Maduro, without evidence, of running a trafficking operation to destabilise the US.
On Thursday, Maduro said Venezuela is open to negotiating with the US to combat drug trafficking, while remaining silent on the alleged CIA-led strike.
He also claimed that Washington is seeking to overthrow his government and gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves through sanctions and military pressure.
According to OPEC, Venezuela has around 303 billion barrels of proven oil, representing roughly 17–19% of the world’s total reserves and putting it ahead of Saudi Arabia.
More: Al Jazeera
