Venezuela Declares National Emergency After Explosions in Caracas, Accuses US of Military Attack

FAA Bans US Flights Over Venezuelan Airspace as Maduro Orders Full Defence Mobilisation

Caracas Explosions Trigger Nationwide Emergency

Venezuela has declared a national state of emergency following a series of explosions that rocked the capital city, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, January 3. At least seven explosions were reported around 2:00 a.m. local time, accompanied by low-flying aircraft over multiple neighbourhoods.

Residents rushed onto the streets after loud blasts were heard near civilian and military installations, creating panic and confusion across the capital.

Maduro Declares ‘State of External Disturbance’

President Nicolás Maduro announced the implementation of all national defence plans and declared a state of external disturbance, a constitutional emergency provision that allows expanded military authority.

The decree grants the government powers to suspend certain civil rights, tighten security controls, and increase the role of the armed forces in internal security operations.

The Venezuelan government called on its supporters to mobilise nationwide and defend national sovereignty.

Read Also | Ecuador Declares 60-Day State of Emergency

Government Directly Accuses United States of Military Aggression

In an official statement, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of launching direct military attacks on both civilian and military targets in several Venezuelan states.

Authorities claimed that the alleged strikes were aimed at seizing Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources, which include some of the largest proven oil reserves in the world.

The accusations mark one of the sharpest escalations in diplomatic tensions between Caracas and Washington in recent years.

Smoke, Power Outages, and Public Fear in Caracas

Following the explosions, smoke was seen rising from a hangar at a military base in Caracas.Another military installation reportedly suffered a power outage, further heightening public concern.

Eyewitness Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, said the ground shook violently during the blasts.She described feeling air pressure waves while fleeing the area with family members.

FAA Bans US Flights Over Venezuelan Airspace

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an immediate Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) banning all US commercial and private aircraft from flying over Venezuela and the nearby island of Curaçao.

The FAA cited “safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity” as the reason for the airspace restriction.

Such notices are used to warn pilots of serious hazards, including active conflict zones.

US Has Not Officially Confirmed the Strikes

The White House and Pentagon have not issued any official confirmation regarding military action in Venezuela.However, US media outlets CBS News and Fox News reported that unnamed officials from the Trump administration acknowledged US involvement.

The Pentagon referred media inquiries to the White House, which did not immediately respond.

US Military Operations and Drug Trafficking Claims

The United States military has been conducting counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since early September.

According to figures released by the Trump administration, 35 boats have been struck during these operations, resulting in at least 115 deaths.

US President Donald Trump has described these operations as part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.

CIA Drone Strike and Military Buildup

Last week, a CIA-backed drone strike reportedly targeted a docking area in Venezuela believed to be used by drug cartels.This was described as the first known direct US operation on Venezuelan soil since maritime strikes began.

In November, the US deployed its most advanced aircraft carrier to the region, significantly expanding American military presence near South America.

Maduro Claims US Seeks Regime Change

President Maduro has repeatedly alleged that the US aims to force a change in government in Venezuela and gain control over its energy resources.

He has been charged with narco-terrorism by US authorities, a charge Caracas has consistently rejected.

The US has also seized Venezuelan oil tankers and imposed maritime blockades in recent months.

You might like this | Why Bulgaria Joined the Eurozone

Venezuela Open to Talks on Drug Trafficking

Despite rising tensions, Venezuela said on Friday that it remains open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking.

This statement came just one day before the explosions in Caracas.

International and Regional Implications

The crisis has raised fears of wider regional instability in Latin America.Any escalation could impact energy markets, increase refugee flows, and draw neighbouring countries into the conflict.

Iranian state television also reported on the explosions, highlighting Tehran’s long-standing political alignment with Caracas.