Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
The socialist government has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an official statement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and resources," Venezuela said.
The government appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Locals reported feeling approximately seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different areas reportedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," commented one witness.
Smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged strikes follow a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
