Column of smoke seen, loud noises heard in Venezuelan capital

Airplanes and loud noises could be heard and a column of smoke was visible in Caracas early on Saturday, Reuters witnesses said, while power was out in the south of the Venezuelan capital, near a major military base.

The cause and precise locations of the disturbances were not immediately clear. Videos circulating on social media showed multiple explosions across Caracas. Reuters could not immediately verify the videos.

U.S. PresidentDonald Trumphas repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela. He has not publicly detailed his aims but has privately pressured President Nicolas Maduro to flee the nation, Reuters has reported. Trump said on Monday it would be “smart” forMaduro to leave power.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.