Explosions Rock Caracas as Venezuela Blames U.S. and Declares State of Emergency

Overview

• Residents and reporters described at least seven explosions and low‑flying aircraft over Caracas in the early hours, with power cuts and smoke seen in parts of the capital.
• The Venezuelan government accused the United States of a “gravíssima agressão militar,” said strikes also hit Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, declared a state of external commotion, and activated national defense plans.
• U.S. authorities had not confirmed responsibility, though CBS News cited sources saying President Donald Trump ordered the operation.
• Regional leaders, including Colombia’s Gustavo Petro and Cuba’s Miguel Díaz‑Canel, condemned the reported attacks and urged urgent international action.
• The escalation follows months of U.S. counternarcotics operations in the Caribbean and comes as Nicolás Maduro signals willingness to negotiate with Washington on oil, migration and counternarcotics, alongside recent detainee releases.