Multiple Explosions Reported in Venezuela’s Capital Caracas; Venezuela Accuses US Over Attacks

Loud explosions and low-flying aircraft have been heard in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas on Saturday, according to witness reports. As per reports by international media, the cause for the explosions are not clear yet.

Associated Press reported that at least seven explosions were heard about 2 am local time and people were rushed to streets. Media has reported quoting eyewitnesses that particularly heavy and ongoing sounds of explosions in Fuerte Tiuna, a sprawling military base in the centre of Caracas that is home to Venezuela’s top brass and many senior government officials.

The explosions come amid growing tensions between Venezuela and the US. The US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Venezuela of land operations in the Country, amid efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to leave office. Trump has continuously issued threats and warnings to Maduro, who has been leading Venezuela since 2013. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have called him an illegitimate leader and have accused him of controlling criminal groups tied to drug trafficking, charges he denies. US State department has branded him as the head of a 'narco-terrorist' state.

In a statement released by the Venezuelan government, Venezuela has said it rejects “military aggression” by the United States.

“People to the streets!” the statement said. “The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.”

The statement added that President Nicolás Maduro had ordered all national defence plans to be implemented and declared a state of external disturbance.

New York times has reported that a spokeswoman for the U.S. military in Washington acknowledged the reports of explosions in Caracas but had no comment on any American role. Meanwhile, amid speculations, CBS and BBC has reported that Trump ordered the attack on sites in Venezuela, including military facilities.

Following the news on the explosions, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, a critic of the Trump administration, wrote on social media: “Right now they are bombing Caracas. Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles.”