• Source:JND

Powerful explosions tore through parts of Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, early Saturday, triggering panic among residents as thick smoke and towering flames rose above buildings, following what US officials later confirmed were American military strikes inside the country.

Local news agencies reported that at least seven loud explosions were heard around 2 am local time, accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft over several neighbourhoods of Caracas. Videos circulating on social media showed bright flashes lighting up the night sky, fires engulfing structures, and residents rushing into the streets in fear.

Residents Describe Chilling Moments

Locals described the hours before dawn as terrifying. “The whole ground shook. We heard explosions and planes overhead,” said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker who was returning home with relatives when the blasts occurred. “It felt like the air itself was hitting us.”

Witnesses said electricity was cut in some areas, while smoke could be seen rising from a military installation in the capital. Another blast was reported near Higuerote Airport in Miranda state, though authorities have not confirmed the exact locations or targets of the explosions.

Venezuela declared a state of emergency shortly after the incident, accusing the United States of “imperialist military aggression.”  Venezuela’s defence ministry claimed that both civilian and military sites were hit and said authorities were compiling details of casualties and damage.

Trump Confirms ‘Large-Scale’ US Strikes

US President Donald Trump later confirmed that American forces had carried out what he described as a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that President Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.

ALSO READ: Trump Makes Big Claim After US Strikes Venezuela: 'President Maduro And His Wife Captured'

According to US officials cited by PTI, the strikes were part of an intensified campaign against alleged drug trafficking networks, which Washington claims are backed by Venezuela’s leadership.

The strikes have drawn sharp reactions internationally. Cuba and Iran condemned the US action, while Colombia said it was “deeply concerned” about the escalation. The US Federal Aviation Administration has banned American commercial flights from Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity.

ALSO READ: Why Did US Start War Against Venezuela? 5-Point Explainer

This marks the most direct US military action in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama, raising fears of a wider regional crisis as tensions between Washington and Caracas reach a new high.

With inputs from agency.

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