Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
The incumbent regime has blamed the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," the statement said.
The government called on the international community to censure the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Residents described hearing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one witness.
Smoke was reported rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since August, there has been a major American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this foreign attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
