Venezuela declares state of emergency after claims of US strikes

Venezuelan authorities have declared a national state of emergency after a series of explosions in the capital Caracas and several other regions of the country. This was announced by President Nicolas Maduro, accusing the United States of military aggression against civilian and military targets. It is reported by The Public with reference to DW. 

According to the Venezuelan government, the explosions took place in Caracas, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Witnesses reported at least seven explosions at around 02:00 local time, smoke over military installations and low-flying aircraft. Heavy security with military personnel and armoured vehicles was observed near the Miraflores presidential palace, and residents were evacuated in the surrounding neighbourhoods

There is no official confirmation from Washington yet. At the same time, the day before, US President Donald Trump publicly declared his readiness to expand operations against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers, including on land. According to him, maritime smuggling routes have already been blocked by about 85 per cent

Maduro claims that the aim of the pressure is regime change and access to the country's oil resources. In recent months, the United States has stepped up its campaign against drug trafficking in the Caribbean, while simultaneously tightening sanctions and blocking tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The escalation increases the risk of a direct military clash, international experts warn