Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government stated that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," the government said.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to denounce the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered numerous of civilians in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Residents described hearing roughly seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in several districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this external aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
