Explosions heard in Venezuela's capital

Roman Petrenko - 3 January, 08:40

Columns of smoke. Photo: X/Globally Pop

Explosions have been reported in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, on the morning of 3 January, with at least one plume of smoke visible.

Source: Reuters; CNN; social media

Details: The southern part of the city, home to a major military base, has been left without power.

CNN reported multiple explosions. Electricity disappeared in several areas and journalists heard aircraft flying overhead after the blasts.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote on social media that Caracas was "being bombarded by missiles", without specifying by whom.

Quote from Petro: "Caracas is being bombarded. All eyes on Venezuela – it's under attack.

Bombarded by missiles.

The OAS (Organization of American States) and the UN must convene immediately."

Details: Social media claims suggested that the United States had attacked the Venezuelan capital and that American helicopters were flying over the city. There is currently no confirmation of these reports.

Reports noted that US President Donald Trump had repeatedly promised ground operations in Venezuela as part of efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro to step down. This included expanding sanctions, increasing US military presence in the region and conducting over 20 strikes on vessels suspected of being involved in drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Previously: In early December, media reported that Trump had given Maduro time to leave before announcing the closure of Venezuelan airspace.

Background:

On 10 December, US forces in the Caribbean basin took full control of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast.
At the end of November, Trump said the US would "very soon" begin taking measures to halt the movement of Venezuelans suspected of drug trafficking on the ground.

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