Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression
The incumbent government has blamed the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling at least seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
