Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and calls for international action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the government said.
Caracas called on the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that put countless of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in various areas allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," stated one local.
Smoke was seen rising from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "reject this external act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
