Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
The socialist government has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas called on the international community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Locals described feeling approximately multiple detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various areas allegedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," stated one resident.
Black smoke was seen rising from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "denounce this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
