Caracas, Venezuela – Heavy US airstrikes struck the Venezuelan capital at dawn, causing widespread power outages internet disruptions, and deaths, according to local and international reports.
Explosions were heard across multiple districts, as smoke rose from military bases and residential neighbourhoods.
Witnesses described intense aircraft activity over Caracas before missiles hit key sites, including Fort Tiuna military base, where the home of Venezuela’s defence minister was reportedly shelled. Venezuelan media said there was no immediate information on his fate.
President Nicolás Maduro confirmed the capital was under bombardment, declaring a state of emergency and ordering the activation of national defence plans.
“Venezuela has been attacked,” Maduro said, calling on the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations to convene urgently.
The Venezuelan foreign minister accused the United States of orchestrating the strikes, claiming they targeted both civilian and military infrastructure in central Caracas. He warned that attempts to alter Venezuela’s political system would fail, as previous efforts had.
Reports also indicated major secondary explosions following a US airstrike near Higuerote Airport in Miranda state, underscoring the scale of the bombardment.
Neighbouring Colombia reacted swiftly. President Gustavo Petro condemned the attacks, stating that “Caracas is being bombed with missiles,” and urged immediate international intervention.
Meanwhile, US officials told CBS News they were “aware of” reports of explosions and aircraft over Caracas but did not confirm direct involvement.
Analysts noted Washington’s cautious stance, given the potential for escalating tensions across Latin America.
The Venezuelan government has ordered the deployment of popular defence forces nationwide, transitioning to armed defence measures to protect the country.
Officials said the strikes had caused civilian casualties and destroyed infrastructure, raising fears of further instability.
The attacks mark one of the most serious escalations in Venezuela’s recent history, with the government warning that the situation could embolden extremist groups and destabilise the wider region. Calls for international mediation are growing as the crisis unfolds.
Sources: Venezuelan local news media, Quds News Network, Al Jazeera, CBS News
