Caracas: Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds similar to low-flying aircraft, were heard in Caracas, Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday, according to a journalist from AFP on the ground.
The sounds were reported around 2:00 am local time (0600 GMT) and continued intermittently for several minutes, though the exact locations of the explosions were not immediately confirmed.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, following strong warnings from US President Donald Trump.
The US has recently deployed a naval task force to the Caribbean, raising concerns about possible military escalation in the region.
Explosive sounds were still being heard around 2:15 am, adding to uncertainty and public concern in the Venezuelan capital.
Earlier this week, Trump stated that the United States had destroyed a docking facility allegedly used by Venezuelan drug-trafficking boats.
However, he declined to specify whether the operation was conducted by the US military or intelligence agencies, and did not disclose the exact location of the strike, noting only that it occurred “along the shore.”
If confirmed, the incident would mark the first known land-based strike on the territory, significantly intensifying the standoff between Washington and Caracas.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has neither confirmed nor denied the reported strike.
However, he stated on Thursday that his government remains open to cooperation with the United States, despite weeks of mounting military and economic pressure.
The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking network and claims its actions are aimed at combating narcotics smuggling in the region.
Maduro has firmly rejected the allegations, arguing that Washington’s actions are politically motivated and intended to destabilize his government, citing Venezuela’s vast oil reserves as a key factor.
In recent weeks, the United States has intensified pressure on victim country by tightening sanctions, restricting airspace access, and seizing oil tankers carrying Venezuelan crude-moves that have further strained diplomatic relations.