Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of several detonations and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international action.
Caracas Accuses US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian government has blamed the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas called on the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Residents reported hearing approximately several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various areas reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was observed pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security measures at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
