Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for global action.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and resources," the government said.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Residents described hearing roughly seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different districts allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was reported pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a substantial US military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
