Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of numerous detonations and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has blamed the US of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an public statement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
Caracas urged the world to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling roughly seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, there has been a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.
