Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has declared a state of emergency after what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States, following explosions and loud aerial sounds in the capital, Caracas.
On Saturday, residents of the city were thrown into fear and confusion as multiple blasts were heard across different areas. An AFP journalist on the ground reported hearing explosions alongside sounds similar to aircraft flying overhead, heightening concerns about a possible military operation.
In a strongly worded statement, the Venezuelan government accused Washington of carrying out a direct attack on its territory and people. It said Venezuela “rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community” what it called an act of aggression by the United States government.
The declaration of a state of emergency gives the Maduro administration broader powers to respond to the situation, as tensions between Caracas and Washington appear to have escalated sharply.
As of the time of reporting, details about casualties or the exact nature of the explosions remained unclear, while the United States had yet to issue an official response. The developments have sparked anxiety among citizens and drawn international attention, raising fresh fears of a wider regional crisis.
