Venezuela’s government has accused the United States of conducting attacks on civilian and military installations following a series of explosions in Caracas early on March 2, 2024. Reports indicate at least seven explosions were heard around 02:00 local time, prompting immediate concern among residents.
Explosions Rock Caracas
Witnesses described the chaos as smoke billowed from a military base hangar, with one installation reportedly losing power. Residents across various neighborhoods rushed into the streets, expressing fear and confusion. “The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes,” said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, as she hurried away from a birthday party with two relatives. “We felt like the air was hitting us.”
The Venezuelan government quickly responded by calling on citizens to mobilize against what it termed an “imperialist attack.” A statement urged all social and political forces to take to the streets, declaring, “People to the streets!” President Nicolas Maduro has ordered the implementation of national defense plans and declared a state of external disturbance in light of the escalating situation.
US Military Operations and Responses
As tensions rise, the Pentagon has not commented directly on the allegations. The Federal Aviation Authority has taken precautionary measures by banning U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to what it described as “ongoing military activity.” This development follows a series of U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean, which have intensified in recent months.
On March 1, 2024, Maduro suggested Venezuela is open to negotiating an agreement with the U.S. to combat drug trafficking. Nonetheless, he also accused the U.S. of seeking to instigate a change in government to gain access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The tension has been exacerbated by a significant increase in U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of advanced aircraft carriers.
According to the Trump administration, U.S. military strikes have targeted 35 boats linked to drug trafficking since early September 2023, resulting in at least 115 fatalities. These operations have been framed by U.S. authorities as necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the country and to counteract the influence of drug cartels.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how the Venezuelan government will respond to the ongoing military actions and accusations against the U.S. The international community watches closely as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.
