Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
The authoritarian government has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American state. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Residents spoke of feeling approximately seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. People in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," commented one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
