Explosions reported in Venezuelan capital Caracas

Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas early on Jan. 3, with witnesses saying at least seven blasts and some neighbourhoods losing power; reports of U.S. strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro were announced on social media but not independently confirmed.

Explosions, loud noises and low-flying aircraft were reported across Caracas in the early hours of Jan. 3. Witnesses and news reports said at least seven blasts were heard around 2 a.m. and parts of the city's south experienced power loss. It was not immediately clear what caused the explosions. The events occurred amid heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela, and some social media posts and reports announced U.S. strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Known details: - Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported across Caracas at about 2 a.m.; eyewitnesses said at least seven blasts were heard. - Residents reported power outages in a southern part of the city and people rushing into the streets. - Some U.S. social media posts and reports announced strikes and said President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out; those claims and other official confirmations were pending. Summary: The reported blasts disrupted neighbourhoods and prompted immediate local reports, while official accounts remained limited and unconfirmed. A U.S. announcement claiming strikes and a capture was posted on social media and a presidential news conference was scheduled; further confirmations and official statements were undetermined at this time.