Capital of Venezuela struck by explosions, smoke visible

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Unrest in Caracas: Explosions and Smoke Signal Tensions

On a quiet Saturday morning, the city of Caracas, Venezuela, was shaken by a series of explosions that sent shockwaves through the capital. Witnesses reported seeing columns of black smoke rising into the sky, along with the sight of aircraft flying overhead. These images quickly spread across social media, capturing the attention of people around the world.

The disturbances began around 2 a.m. local time, with reports of a power outage affecting the southern part of the city. This area is near a significant military base, adding to the concerns about the nature and origin of the events. Despite the widespread coverage on social media, it remains unclear what exactly caused the explosions or where they occurred. No official verification has been provided for the videos circulating online.

U.S. Involvement and Political Rhetoric

U.S. President Donald Trump has made several statements regarding potential land operations in Venezuela. While he has not publicly outlined his specific objectives, there have been reports that he has privately urged President Nicolas Maduro to leave the country. On Monday, Trump suggested that it would be "smart" for Maduro to step down from power.

The Pentagon has directed questions about the situation to the White House, which has chosen not to comment further. Meanwhile, Maduro has accused the Trump administration of seeking a regime change in Venezuela to gain access to the country's extensive oil reserves.

Trump recently announced a blockade targeting all sanctioned vessels entering or leaving Venezuelan waters as part of a broader strategy to pressure Maduro. The move is seen as an escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

International Reactions and Military Buildup

Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to social media to express concern over the events, stating, "At this moment they are bombing Caracas." He called for immediate action from the Organization of American States and the United Nations, urging them to meet and address the situation. However, Petro did not provide any additional details or sources for his claims. His administration has consistently opposed the U.S. pressure campaign against Venezuela.

The U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the region, including deploying an aircraft carrier, warships, and advanced fighter jets in the Caribbean. This buildup has raised concerns among regional leaders and international observers.

In addition to the blockade, Trump has expanded sanctions and conducted more than two dozen strikes on vessels suspected of being involved in drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Last week, he claimed that the U.S. had "hit" an area in Venezuela where boats were loaded with drugs, marking the first known instance of land operations by the U.S. in the country since the pressure campaign began.

Controversies and Denials

Trump has accused Venezuela of flooding the U.S. with drugs, and his administration has been conducting airstrikes on boats originating from South America that it claims are carrying narcotics. Many countries have criticized these attacks as extrajudicial killings, while Maduro's government has consistently denied any involvement with drug trafficking.