Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has accused the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.
Caracas urged the world to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that put countless of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one resident.
Black smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged attacks are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
