Multiple Explosions Reported in Venezuela’s Capital Caracas
VENEZUELA – Multiple explosions were on Saturday Jan. 3 reported in Venezuela’s capital Caracas, as tensions with the US escalate to a direct confrontation.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show thick smoke rising from several locations in the city, and air-raid sirens could be heard.
At least seven explosions were reported, and low-flying aircraft were seen in the area.
Power outages were also reported in several areas of the capital, including the southern part of the city near a major military base.
Venezuela accused the US of attacking civilian and military locations in Caracas and other cities.
Citing US officials, Fox News reported the US military attacked Venezuela, though there is no official confirmation of the attack from Washington yet.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said the country “rejects, condemns, and denounces … the extremely grave military aggression.”
President Nicolas Maduro signed and ordered the implementation of a decree declaring a State of External Disturbance throughout the national territory.
In a prerecorded interview aired Thursday on state television, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said his country is open to talks with the US on cooperation to counter drug trafficking.
Maduro said he is ready for dialogue, “whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it.”
He accused Washington of pursuing regime change in Venezuela, saying the goal is to gain control of the country’s vast oil resources through a months-long pressure campaign.
Cuba and Colombia Express Solidarity with Venezuela
Leaders of Cuba and Colombia opposed reported US military strikes in Venezuela on Saturday.
“Cuba denounces and demands an urgent reaction from the international community against the criminal US attack on Venezuela,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on the US social media company X.
He said the region is “being brutally assaulted” and called it “state terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and against Our America.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro also expressed concern over reports of explosions and unusual aerial activity in Venezuela and the resulting escalation of tensions.
He rejected “any unilateral military action that would exacerbate the situation or put civilian populations at risk.”
