Multiple explosions were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, December 3. Videos shared on social media sites, including X (formerly Twitter) show several blasts with smoke emanating from the scene.
A huge explosion at Higuerote Airport, about 87 km (54 miles) east of Caracas, was due to a suspected US strike. According to the CNN report, the first blast from the suspected US airstrikes on Caracas, Venezuela, was reported at around 1:50 am local time.
Gunfire was also heard all over the capital city, with people reporting that they have seen airstrikes over the Fuerte Tiuna military complex and La Carlota air base, AFP video editor Isabel Bonnet Belloso said in a post on X. US military ground troops and air forces assets are currently active in and around Caracas, confirmed news agency Reuters.
A video shared on Instagram story shows fighter jets in the sky with explosions in the background amid suspected US airstrikes on Caracas, Venezuela.
Another video shared on X shows a massive fire due to explosions from suspected US airstrikes in Caracas. However, no official statement from Venezuelan officials regarding the US attack.
Eyewitnesses who shared visuals said loud sounds like blasts were heard across the city on Saturday. According to The Hindustan Times, the South Caracas region saw a blackout in the region as a power cut was reported.
Residents across Caracas capital city reported low-flying aircraft and sirens in early hours. The blasts were strong enough to shake homes and windows, which also caused power outages in several areas.
The incident occurred at around 2 am (local time) with visuals showing fire and smoke from several places. According to reports, a suspected airstrike near Fort Tiuna army base, La Carlota Air Base, the 23 de Enero neighbourhood, and in the vicinity of Miraflores Palace, the presidential residence.
Neither Venezuelan authorities nor US officials have issued statements confirming the nature of the incidents or reporting any casualties. Some online speculation suggested that the aircraft of the US Army CH-47 Chinooks were flying spotted in the city skies.
Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosions or reported any injuries. Emergency services and security forces were seen responding as authorities began assessing the situation.
The US government has been building pressure on Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s authoritarian president, for months. Explosions in the country came after months of threats, warnings of drug smuggling from President Donald Trump and his administration. The US State Department has branded Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as the head of a “narco-terrorist” state. US officials have called him an illegitimate leader and have accused him of controlling criminal groups tied to drug trafficking. However, Maduro denied the US charges.