Multiple explosions rocked Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, in the early hours of Saturday, causing power outages in several neighbourhoods.
According to a CNN report, the first explosion was recorded around 1:50 am local time. The network’s correspondent in Caracas, Osmary Hernandez, said the blasts were powerful enough to rattle buildings.
“One was so strong, my window was shaking after it,” she said.
Several districts were thrown into darkness following the explosions, with residents also reporting the sound of aircraft flying low overhead.
The cause of the explosions remains unclear as of the time of filing this report.
A video obtained and verified by CNN showed two plumes of smoke rising into the night sky amid flickering city lights. An orange glow was seen at the base of one plume just before a bright flash and a distant boom were heard.
Local media outlets Efecto Cocuyo and Tal Cual Digital also reported explosions in La Guaira State, north of Caracas, and in Higuerote, a coastal city in Miranda State.
The incident comes amid rising tensions between Venezuela and the United States. US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that Washington was preparing to take action against alleged drug trafficking operations in Venezuela.
In October, Trump said he had authorised the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to operate within Venezuela to curb the illegal flow of drugs and migrants from the South American nation.