Venezuela accuses the US of military aggression and explosions in Caracas
In an urgent official statement, the Venezuelan government condemned what it described as a "very serious military aggression" by the United States, marking a new escalation in tensions between the two countries. This announcement comes as the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, experiences heightened security concerns.
Field reports and eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions that shook the capital, Caracas, today, causing an immediate power outage across large parts of the city. The explosions coincided with sounds resembling the roar of low-flying fighter jets, sparking panic among residents.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that the exact location of the explosions has not yet been determined, but initial indications suggest they occurred in the eastern and southern parts of the capital. Authorities are still assessing the situation and working to determine the direct causes, amid tight security.
Context of ongoing tension and historical background
This incident is not isolated from the context of historically strained relations between Caracas and Washington. The Venezuelan government has long accused the United States of trying to destabilize the country through harsh economic sanctions, support for opposition forces, and attempts to "sabotage" national infrastructure, specifically the electricity grid, which has suffered frequent outages in recent years, which the government usually describes as "electromagnetic" or cyberattacks orchestrated from abroad.
Geopolitical dimensions and impact of the event
This event is of paramount importance given Venezuela's strategic location in the Caribbean, a region experiencing escalating tensions and a heavy military presence. Observers believe that any military escalation in this region could have far-reaching regional and international repercussions, particularly in light of Venezuela's alliances with international powers that rival the United States, such as Russia and Iran, both of which have repeatedly affirmed their support for Caracas in the face of what they describe as the "American blockade.".
On the economic front, this tension raises concerns about the stability of energy supplies, as Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves. Any major security disruption could negatively impact already volatile global oil markets, making Venezuela's stability a matter of concern for the entire international community, not just its Latin American neighbors.
