Multiple explosions reported in Caracas amid reports of aircraft overhead

Several explosions and plumes of smoke were reported across Caracas early on Jan. 3; officials have not issued confirmed statements and the cause remains unverified.

Several explosions were reported across Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, and columns of smoke were seen over parts of the city. Videos and images showing blasts and low-flying aircraft circulated on social media but have not been independently verified. Authorities and U.S. officials had not issued confirmed public statements about the cause or responsibility. The events occur amid heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela following recent U.S. military activity and strikes in the region. What is known: - Multiple explosions and plumes of smoke were reported in Caracas around 2 a.m. local time, according to witnesses and images shared online. - Social media footage showed aircraft and helicopters overhead, but those clips have not been verified and official confirmations were not yet available. - Power outages were reported in parts of the city and a fire was reported at the Fuerte Tiuna military complex, while the cause and responsible party remain unconfirmed. Summary: The reported blasts have produced local disruptions and added to an already tense U.S.–Venezuela standoff. It is undetermined at this time what caused the explosions or who is responsible, and officials have not announced how they will respond.