World News
Tension in Caracas as Explosion Hit Near Strategic Military Base amid US Standoff
A series of powerful explosions rocked Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky near a major military base and intensifying fears of a dangerous escalation in the country’s standoff with the United States.
According to Al Jazeera as gathered by Talk Nigeria, multiple blasts were heard across several districts of the capital, with video footage circulating online showing fireballs and heavy smoke rising from a structure located beside a body of water. The explosions were reported to have occurred near Fortuna, one of Caracas’ most strategic military bases.
Al Jazeera correspondent Lucia Newman said the blasts were followed by a widespread blackout in the surrounding area, heightening uncertainty over the nature of the incident. While the exact cause of the explosions remains unclear, Newman noted growing speculation that the United States could be linked to the incident. She also raised the possibility of internal sabotage by factions within the Venezuelan military seeking to destabilise President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
The Associated Press reported that at least seven explosions were heard across the capital, accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft, a development that further fuelled speculation of a coordinated military operation. Residents in parts of southern Caracas reported panic as electricity was cut shortly after the blasts.
The incident comes amid rising diplomatic and military tensions between Caracas and Washington. In recent days, President Maduro indicated a willingness to engage the United States in talks on combating drug trafficking, even as he remained evasive over reports of a CIA-backed strike on Venezuelan territory last week.
In an interview aired on Thursday, Maduro adopted a more conciliatory tone toward Washington despite months of sweeping US sanctions and sustained pressure. However, he reiterated accusations that the United States was seeking to overthrow his government and gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Asked directly whether he could confirm or deny a US attack on Venezuelan soil, Maduro responded cautiously, saying the matter could be addressed “in a few days.”
Maduro further accused the administration of President Donald Trump of attempting to impose its will on Venezuela through “threats, intimidation and force.” The interview was recorded on New Year’s Eve, the same day the US military announced it had carried out strikes on five alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing at least five people.
Figures released by the Trump administration indicate that the latest operation brings the total number of known boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to 35, with at least 115 people reportedly killed. Venezuelans and Colombians are among the victims.
In a statement issued after the explosions, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of launching coordinated attacks on both civilian and military installations, describing the incident as an act of “military aggression.” Authorities claimed the alleged strikes were not limited to Caracas but also affected the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, targeting strategic infrastructure and security facilities.
The government further accused Washington of orchestrating the attacks in an attempt to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources, insisting such efforts would fail. In response, President Maduro declared a nationwide state of emergency, placing security forces on high alert and ordering immediate measures to protect critical infrastructure.
As of the time of reporting, the United States had not issued an official response to the allegations.
North Korea fired at least two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, Japanese and South Korean authorities confirmed, marking the country’s second missile test this month.
The launch came a day after a senior Pentagon official visited Seoul and praised South Korea as Washington’s “model ally.”
The Japanese Coast Guard, citing the Ministry of Defence, reported that the missiles were detected heading toward the Sea of Japan and landed outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff similarly confirmed that multiple ballistic missiles were fired toward the East Sea.
Analysts say Pyongyang has stepped up missile testing in recent years to enhance its precision strike capabilities, challenge Washington and Seoul, and evaluate weapons for potential export to Russia.
The tests follow increased military tensions on the peninsula, including joint US-South Korea exercises, which North Korea regularly condemns as preparations for invasion. Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized South Korea’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines with US support, describing it as a “threat” that must be countered.
The missile launches underscore ongoing regional security concerns, as the United States continues to station approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea to deter aggression from the nuclear-armed North.
United States President Donald Trump has warned Canada that it will face a sweeping 100 per cent tariff on all exports to the United States if it proceeds with a proposed trade agreement with China, escalating already strained relations between the two North American neighbours.
The warning followed recent comments by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who during a visit to Beijing last week announced what he described as a “new strategic partnership” with China, resulting in a preliminary trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs. Trump reacted sharply, cautioning that any move positioning Canada as a gateway for Chinese goods into the US market would attract severe economic consequences.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Canada would be “sorely mistaken” if it believed it could serve as a transit hub for Chinese products entering the United States. He further claimed that China would “completely devour” Canada’s economy, businesses and social fabric if such a deal were pursued. According to him, the conclusion of a Canada–China trade pact would trigger an immediate 100 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods crossing into the US.
Trump also referred to Carney as “Governor,” a recurring jibe reflecting his repeated suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. The US president recently amplified that rhetoric by sharing a social media image depicting Canada, Greenland and Venezuela covered by the American flag.
Diplomatic tensions have intensified in recent days following Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he warned of a “rupture” in the US-led global order, remarks widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Trump’s foreign policy posture. Trump responded a day later with a speech of his own and subsequently withdrew an invitation previously extended to Carney to join his so-called “Board of Peace,” an initiative initially framed around post-war Gaza but now seen as having broader ambitions.
Trump went further by asserting that Canada’s survival depends on the United States, telling Carney to “remember that” when making public statements. The Canadian prime minister rejected the claim, responding that Canada does not exist because of the United States but thrives because of its own national identity, while still acknowledging the longstanding partnership between both countries.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of deep economic interdependence. More than 75 per cent of Canadian exports are destined for the US market, making Canada particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions. Key sectors such as automobiles, aluminum and steel have already been affected by Trump’s global tariffs, though the impact has been partially softened by existing North American free trade arrangements.
Negotiations to revise the current trade framework are expected to begin later this year, with Trump repeatedly insisting that the United States does not require Canadian products—an assertion that analysts warn could have far-reaching consequences for Canada’s economy.
Despite the rising tensions, the United States, Canada and Mexico are jointly scheduled to host the World Cup later this year, underscoring the complexity of a relationship increasingly defined by sharp rhetoric alongside enduring economic and logistical cooperation.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia and several other predominantly Muslim nations have agreed to join the United States–backed Gaza “Board of Peace,” following an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Turkey and Saudi Arabia, alongside their counterparts from Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, confirmed their countries’ collective decision to participate in the initiative. Egypt and Pakistan had earlier announced their involvement separately.
The ministers reiterated their commitment to supporting the mandate of the Board of Peace as a transitional administrative authority for the Gaza Strip. They said the board’s mission is outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and has received backing through United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
So far, invitations have been extended to 60 countries as part of what is described as the second phase of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, much of which has been devastated by the prolonged conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
However, several European countries, including Germany and France, have adopted a cautious stance toward the initiative.
Diplomats familiar with the board’s charter have described it as a direct challenge to the United Nations, an institution President Trump has frequently criticised as ineffective. There are also indications that the U.S. administration may seek to broaden the board’s scope beyond Gaza to address global crises and conflicts.
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