At least seven explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft were reported around 2 am on Saturday in Caracas, triggering panic across several neighbourhoods of the Venezuelan capital.

Residents in multiple areas said they ran out into the streets after hearing loud blasts and aircraft overhead. Some of the activity was visible from distant parts of the city, raising fears of a major security incident. There was no immediate clarity on the cause of the explosions.

The Venezuela government did not respond to requests for comment, and authorities have so far not issued an official statement explaining the overnight events.

The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions. In recent days, the United States military has stepped up operations targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, a move closely watched by Caracas.

On Friday, Venezuela signalled that it was open to negotiating an agreement with Washington to combat drug trafficking. However, President Nicolás Maduro simultaneously accused the United States of pursuing regime change in his country, alleging that Washington aims to gain access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

Maduro claimed the pressure campaign began months ago, pointing to a large-scale US military deployment in the Caribbean Sea in August as part of what he described as a strategy to destabilise his government.

It remains unclear whether Saturday’s explosions and aircraft activity are linked to regional military operations, internal security actions, or another cause. Further details are awaited as residents and observers look for official clarification.