Explosions Rock Venezuelan Capital: U.S. Helicopters Seen Hovering

Explosions struck Venezuela’s capital Caracas on Saturday, reportedly hitting areas near major military bases, and coinciding with reports of low-flying aircraft and helicopters possibly linked to the United States.

Reuters reported that the area near a military base in southern Caracas was left without electricity following the blasts. Preliminary reports said the explosions occurred at Fort Tiuna and the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, both key military installations.

Al Jazeera said explosions were heard across the capital, with plumes of smoke rising over the city. Video footage obtained by the network showed balls of fire and thick smoke coming from a structure near a body of water early on Saturday.

“The United States is bombing Venezuela while the people are asleep! Venezuela produces less than 1% of the world’s illegal drugs. But they do have the world’s largest proven oil reserve. Still think this is really about stopping the cartels?,” Mohamad Safa, Executive Director and Main Representative of PVA to the United Nations ECOSOC in New York, said in a social media post.

Citing sources, Al Jazeera correspondent Lucia Newman said the explosion occurred “near or around Fortuna, the main military base in Caracas.” “Fortuna is a key military base there. A series of explosions were reportedly heard throughout the area followed by a blackout,” she said. Newman added there was a “presumption” that the U.S. could be involved but stressed uncertainty, noting that “there is also a possibility that this is an act of an internal sabotage among elements of the military who are trying to oust President Nicolas Maduro.”

As per unconfirmed reports, at least seven explosions took place and the sound of low-flying aircraft were heard over the capital.

The incident comes as tensions rise between Washington and Caracas. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of ground operations against drug cartels, with the White House claiming maritime drug trafficking from Latin America has fallen by 96%.

In recent days, President Maduro said Venezuela was open to negotiating with the U.S. on combating drug trafficking, even as he remained silent on reports of a CIA-led strike on Venezuelan territory last week. In an interview aired on Thursday, Maduro adopted a more conciliatory tone but repeated accusations that Washington is trying to topple his government and gain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves through sanctions and military pressure.

Asked directly whether he confirmed or denied a U.S. attack on Venezuelan soil, Maduro said: “This could be something we talk about in a few days.” He said the Trump administration’s approach made it “clear” that the U.S. seeks to impose itself on Venezuela through “threats, intimidation and force.”

Maduro’s interview was recorded on New Year’s Eve, the same day the U.S. military struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing at least five people. According to figures released by the Trump administration, the latest attacks bring the total number of known boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to 35, with at least 115 people killed. Venezuelans and Colombians have been among the victims.