In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuela has plunged into a state of emergency following a series of explosions that shook the capital, Caracas, early on Saturday morning. President Nicolás Maduro, responding to what he termed an “imperialist attack,” has called for a full mobilization of national forces to address the situation.

The blasts, which left several Caracas neighborhoods without power, have heightened tensions in the region. Smoke was reportedly seen rising from a nearby military installation, and additional strikes were reported in the Venezuelan regions of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. The Venezuelan leader has accused the United States of orchestrating air strikes, though American officials have yet to comment on these allegations.

Interestingly, the Associated Press highlighted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Airmen about an hour before the alleged strikes, advising pilots to avoid Venezuelan airspace due to “safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity.” This has further fueled speculation and concern over the unfolding events.

Members of the presidential guard stand outside the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)

The emergency declaration grants Maduro sweeping powers, allowing him to impose significant restrictions on civilian freedoms and facilitate a rapid military buildup. In a statement, Venezuela’s foreign ministry strongly condemned what it described as “extremely grave military aggression” by the U.S. government, as reported by Breitbart News. The statement went on to suggest that the attack is an attempt to initiate a “colonial war” aimed at seizing Venezuela’s strategic resources.

The attack is an attempt to “seize Venezuela’s strategic resources” with a “colonial war”, it was claimed.