, Jan. 3 -- Residents of Venezuela's capital reported hearing at least seven explosions along with the sound of aircraft flying at low altitude around 2 a.m. local time on Saturday.

The cause of the blasts was not immediately known. Venezuelan authorities, as well as the Pentagon and the White House, did not respond right away to requests for comment.

Following the loud sounds, people in several neighborhoods poured out into the streets. From different parts of the city, residents said they could see activity in the distance, though details remained unclear.

The incidents come amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States. In recent days, the U.S. military has been carrying out strikes on vessels it claims are involv...