The exact cause and locations of the disturbances remain unclear. Videos circulating on social media showed multiple explosions across different parts of Caracas, though Reuters could not immediately verify these videos.
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised ground operations in Venezuela. While he has not publicly detailed his objectives, sources say he has privately pressured President Nicolás Maduro to leave the country. On Monday, Trump stated it would be “smart” for Maduro to step down. The Pentagon has not yet commented on the situation.
The U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, including an aircraft carrier, warships, and advanced fighter jets.
Trump has also imposed a blockade on Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions, and carried out more than two dozen strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Last week, Trump said the U.S. had struck an area in Venezuela where drug-laden boats were being loaded, marking the first known ground operation in the country since the campaign began. He did not specify whether the strikes were conducted by the CIA, though other media outlets have reported the spy agency’s involvement.
Trump has accused Venezuela of flooding the U.S. with drugs. His administration has targeted South American vessels for months over alleged drug trafficking, drawing condemnation from multiple countries, while Maduro’s government has consistently denied involvement.
