According to reports, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered strikes on a number of targets, including military facilities, on Venezuelan territory, the Adyrna national portal reports.
Following this, several explosions were recorded in the capital, Caracas, and smoke was seen rising near an air base.
U.S. authorities have not yet issued an official comment on the reports. However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency in the country, describing the incident as “military aggression” by the United States. Caracas has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, demanding international accountability.
According to the BBC, the developments are being viewed as a new phase in the long-running political confrontation between the United States and Venezuela. In recent months, the U.S. has carried out several strikes on vessels suspected of having links to Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific region. Washington has described these operations as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking, while Venezuela has condemned them as violations of its sovereignty.
In addition, Donald Trump’s hardline rhetoric aimed at removing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power is considered one of the factors that has escalated tensions. Previously, the Trump administration has repeatedly applied sanctions and military pressure against Venezuela.
The U.S. Air Force reportedly carried out airstrikes on the National Assembly building in Caracas, the international airport, and the “Cuartel de la Montaña” complex, a former military museum. The site houses the remains of former President Hugo Chávez and had become a symbolic location prior to his death.
MH-60M Black Hawk helicopters were also spotted over Caracas; they had previously conducted exercises in the Caribbean region.
