Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several explosions and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
The incumbent regime has blamed the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official statement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals described hearing at least multiple detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several districts allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Black smoke was observed billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes follow a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant US military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
