Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has led to claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses US of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an public statement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government called on the international community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that placed millions of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Locals spoke of feeling at least seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various areas reportedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a significant naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "reject this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately commented on requests for comment regarding the allegations.
