Overview
- Residents reported at least seven blasts and low-flying aircraft around 2 a.m. local time, with smoke seen at a Caracas military base and power outages in southern districts.
- President Nicolás Maduro ordered national defense plans activated and announced a state of emergency, with officials alleging attacks also occurred in Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
- Venezuela’s government labeled the events an “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States, though Washington provided no immediate public confirmation.
- The FAA issued a notice restricting U.S. aircraft from Venezuelan airspace, citing safety-of-flight risks linked to ongoing military activity.
- The incidents follow a U.S. pressure campaign that included dozens of strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats and a reported CIA drone hit on a Venezuelan docking area last week.