Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to condemn the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed countless of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. People in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a substantial naval presence off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
