Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted claims from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global action.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Attack
The authoritarian administration has accused the United States of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the government stated that strikes had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the statement said.
The government called on the international community to condemn the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Locals described hearing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one local.
Black smoke was reported rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate security protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
