US President Donald Trump says that the Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife had been “captured and flown out of the country’ following the strikes.
Multiple explosions were reported in and around the Venezuelan capital Caracas early Saturday, amid a sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
Witnesses said at least seven explosions were seen and heard shortly after midnight, with low-flying aircraft observed over several parts of the city. Smoke was reported rising from multiple locations, including areas near military installations.
Venezuela’s government accused the United States of carrying out military strikes and described the incidents as an act of aggression. President Nicolás Maduro declared a national emergency, saying the attacks were aimed at destabilising the country and seizing its oil and mineral resources.
Several neighbourhoods in and around Caracas experienced power outages following the explosions, according to local authorities.
U.S. officials, speaking to American media, said President Donald Trump had ordered strikes on sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities. The White House and Pentagon had not issued an official public statement at the time of reporting.
The Venezuelan government rejected and denounced what it called U.S. military aggression and said security forces had been placed on high alert.
The developments come amid heightened diplomatic and political tensions between Washington and Caracas. Further details remain unclear as the situation continues to unfold. (Newswire)