Multiple explosions heard in Venezuela's Capital

"Multiple explosions and fires are being reported around Caracas. It is not immediately clear what is the cause of the blasts. Videos circulating on social media platforms and first-person accounts indicate the explosions began at around 2 am local time (1 am EST.) The explosions come as the United States has been increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro, who the Trump administration accuses of leading a drug cartel dubbed Los Soles v The Suns Cartel."

"Since late August the U.S. has sent aircraft carriers and warships to the Caribbean. The U.S. military has struck dozens of small boats it says were transporting drugs to the U.S. At least 105 people have been killed in at least 35 known strikes on the small vessels. A journalist in Caracas reports waking to two explosions that hit the La Carlota military airport in front of her home. She could see two fires on the runway that were quickly extinguished."

"Immediately following the explosions, she reports hearing similar detonations in other parts of the city and then planes flying low around the city for at least an hour. Relatives have sent videos which NPR cannot verify showing multiple explosions in different parts of the metropolitan area, including the military base near the Presidential Palace Miraflores. There has been no immediate response from Maduro."

Multiple explosions and fires occurred around Caracas beginning at about 2 am local time (1 am EST). Videos and first-person accounts indicate explosions struck multiple parts of the metropolitan area, including the La Carlota military airport and a military base near the Presidential Palace Miraflores. The United States has increased pressure on the Venezuelan government, deploying aircraft carriers and warships to the Caribbean since late August and conducting strikes on small boats alleged to be transporting drugs. At least 105 people have been killed in at least 35 known strikes on the small vessels. A journalist reported seeing fires on the La Carlota runway and low-flying planes for at least an hour. Relatives sent videos that could not be independently verified. President Nicolas Maduro expressed openness to negotiating with the U.S. to combat drug trafficking and accused the U.S. of seeking to remove him to access Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

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