Explosions and plumes of smoke shook Venezuela’s capital early Saturday, leaving parts of southern Caracas without electricity.

President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency, blaming the United States for what he called “military aggression” targeting civilian and military installations.

Residents in southern Caracas, near a key military base, reported at least seven explosions and sightings of low-flying aircraft. Smoke columns rising over the city sparked panic and left thousands of people without electricity.

WATCH: Footage likely showing American attack helicopter hitting hard a target in Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/1TbjDkbssy
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 3, 2026

Al Jazeera and Reuters correspondents confirmed the loud blasts and visible smoke, suggesting the incident may involve military-related activity.

Footage circulating online shows flames and thick smoke near a structure adjacent to a body of water, reportedly around the Fortuna military base. The incident has raised fears of an escalating confrontation in the region.

Venezuela’s Govt response

Maduro’s administration issued an official statement ordering all national defense plans to be implemented as necessary, warning that Venezuela will confront any perceived imperialist aggression.

The government accused the United States of targeting installations in Caracas and other states, including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, claiming the attacks were intended to seize the country’s oil and mineral resources.

Maduro declared that such attempts “will not succeed” and denounced the strikes as unacceptable military aggression, framing them as part of broader US efforts to pressure him to leave office.

Rising US-Venezuela tensions

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened possible land operations in Venezuela and expanded US military and economic actions, including sanctions and strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Analysts say the latest incident reflects a sharp escalation in US-Venezuela tensions, with potential consequences for regional stability.