CARACAS, Jan 3, 2026 (AFP) – At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2 a.m. local time Saturday in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.

Sounds of explosions were still being heard around 2:15 am, although their exact location was unclear.

Venezuela’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

People in various neighborhoods rushed to the streets. Some could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas.

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At least one column ‍of smoke was seen as the southern area of ⁠the city, ‌near a major military ‍base, was without electricity.

US President Donald Trump has ‍repeatedly promised ‍land operations in ⁠Venezuela, amid ‌efforts to pressure ⁠President Nicolas ‍Maduro to leave office, including ⁠expanded sanctions, a ramped-up US military presence ‌in the region and more than two dozen strikes on vessels allegedly ‍involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

The Pentagon did not immediately ‌respond to request ‍for comment.

On Friday, Venezuela said it was open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. Maduro also said the US wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through the monthslong pressure campaign that began with a massive military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August.