Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
The socialist government has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Residents reported hearing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the distance," stated one witness.
Black smoke was observed rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "denounce this external act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
