In the early hours of Saturday, Venezuelans in the capital city of Caracas were woken up by a series of powerful explosions that rocked multiple neighbourhoods, terrifying residents and causing chaos across the city. The blasts occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m. local time and were followed by the sounds of low-flying aircraft, sirens, and widespread power outages that left many areas in darkness. Videos on social media showed frightened people rushing into the streets, many trying to find safety and understand what was happening.

At least seven explosions were heard across Caracas, which residents described as extremely loud and strong enough to make buildings shake. Some witnesses described the blasts as “so strong, my window was shaking after it,” highlighting how close and intense the explosions felt. Alongside the detonations, there were reports of low-flying jets overhead, contributing to rising fear and confusion.

Several areas were also hit by power failures following the blasts, leaving whole neighbourhoods in the dark and adding to the sense of alarm among residents who poured into the streets. Smoke was seen rising in parts of the city, including near a major military base in the southern district of Caracas.

Shortly after the explosions, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed in a post on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States had carried out a “large scale strike” against Venezuela. Trump’s statement dramatically escalated tensions between the two countries.

In his message, Trump wrote: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.”

He added that the operation was conducted “in conjunction with US Law Enforcement.” Trump said that further details would be shared at a press conference scheduled later in the morning at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

The claims marked a significant escalation of U.S. military involvement in Venezuela and suggested a dramatic shift in the long-standing tensions between Washington and Caracas.

The Venezuelan government strongly rejected the U.S. actions, calling them “military aggression” and a clear breach of international law. President Nicolás Maduro declared a national emergency following the explosions and said the country would mobilise to defend its sovereignty.

In an official statement, Caracas said that attacks took place not only in the capital but also in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. The government accused the United States of trying to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly its vast oil and mineral reserves, and of attempting to force a change of government. Distinguished national leaders such as Simón Bolívar were invoked in the statement, which urged supporters to take to the streets, activate defence plans, and reject what it described as an “imperialist attack.”

The Venezuelan government also labelled the strike a “flagrant breach” of Articles 1 and 2 of the United Nations Charter, which uphold state sovereignty and prohibit the use of force against another nation.

Residents described terrifying scenes as the blasts echoed across the capital. Many people rushed out of their homes into the streets in panic, unsure of what was happening or where to go for safety. Videos on social media showed neighbourhoods lit only by emergency lights or distant fires, while others were plunged into darkness due to ongoing power cuts.

Some witnesses said that the aircraft overhead sounded closer than usual and caused even more fear. “We heard huge blasts and then the sound of planes flying low,” one resident told local media. “It was chaos — people were screaming and trying to contact loved ones.”

The explosions and U.S. announcement took place against the backdrop of rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela over the past several months.

The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro’s government of being involved in narcotics trafficking and leading a “narco-state.” The U.S. has previously conducted military actions against vessels in Caribbean waters that it claimed were carrying illegal drugs, and last month, Trump announced that U.S. forces had struck a dock area in Venezuela used for loading drug boats, causing a major explosion. He said at the time, “There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs… that is no longer around.”

Despite these claims and actions, Venezuelan authorities have consistently denied links with drug cartels, describing U.S. accusations as a pretext for interference aimed at controlling the country’s oil wealth.

Only days before the explosions, President Maduro said he was willing to talk with the United States on issues such as drug trafficking, oil, and migration. In a pre-recorded interview on Venezuelan state television, he said he was prepared to dialogue with Washington “wherever they want and whenever they want.” However, he also accused the U.S. of increasing pressure as a tactic to force regime change and to gain control over Venezuela’s oil resources.

While denying any links between his government and drug cartels, Maduro called the U.S. “war on drugs” a cover for foreign intervention. When asked directly about American claims that U.S. forces hit a docking facility in Venezuela, Maduro said it was “something we could talk about in a few days.”

At the time of the explosions and U.S. announcement, there was no immediate confirmation from independent or Venezuelan sources about the capture and whereabouts of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Venezuelan officials demanded proof of life and have not acknowledged their capture.

The situation marks a major escalation in tensions in the region and raises serious questions about the future of U.S.–Venezuela relations, international law, and regional stability.