Caracas, Venezuela — A series of explosions shook Venezuela’s capital early Saturday morning, hitting key military installations and prompting the Venezuelan government to declare a national emergency. US officials have told CBS News that President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Venezuelan military sites, including the country’s largest base, Fuerte Tiuna, and the central airfield La Carlota.

Plumes of smoke were seen rising across the city, and reports indicate that surrounding communities have experienced power outages. Social media videos show explosions and helicopters flying overhead, although these have not yet been independently verified.

“It was stronger than thunder. My heart was pumping and legs were shaking,” said journalist Vanessa Silva, who witnessed one of the blasts from her home in Caracas.

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Venezuelan Government Condemns US Military Action

The Venezuelan government strongly denounced the attacks, accusing the United States of attempting to seize the country’s oil and mineral resources. In an official statement, Caracas said it:

• Rejects, repudiates, and denounces the military aggression
• Condemns the actions before the international community
• Confirms that states including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira were also affected

President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly accused Washington of intimidation and regime change efforts, citing the US seizure of oil tankers transporting sanctioned oil as evidence of American intentions to control Venezuela’s energy resources.

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US Military Involvement

The White House and Pentagon have not yet publicly commented, but US officials confirmed to CBS News that Trump ordered targeted strikes on Venezuelan military infrastructure. The President has previously deployed a navy task force in the Caribbean and raised the possibility of ground operations.

Recent US operations in the region have included strikes on vessels suspected of carrying drugs, which the Trump administration alleges are linked to the Maduro regime. On Monday, Trump confirmed a strike on a dock area associated with these vessels, describing it as a “major explosion.”

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Regional Reactions

The strikes have drawn condemnation from Venezuela’s allies and neighboring countries:

• Cuba and Colombia officially denounced the attacks, citing violations of sovereignty
• International observers warn that escalating tensions could destabilize the northern South American region

Venezuela remains a politically and economically sensitive area, rich in oil reserves and strategically located along the northern coast of South America.

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Background on US-Venezuela Tensions

Relations between the United States and Venezuela have been strained for years:

• Washington has labeled Maduro an illegitimate leader, alleging involvement in drug-smuggling
• The 2025 Venezuelan presidential election results were widely dismissed internationally
• The US has maintained sanctions targeting the Venezuelan oil sector

Analysts say the latest military actions could escalate regional conflict and further polarize US-Venezuela relations, raising concerns about the risk of broader military confrontation in the Caribbean.

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Key Locations Targeted

• Fuerte Tiuna – Venezuela’s largest military complex, a key command center
• La Carlota Airfield – Central Caracas military airfield
• Surrounding communities in Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira