Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian government has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
The government called on the international community to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals spoke of experiencing at least seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in several areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "reject this external attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
