Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for diplomatic action.
Caracas Accuses US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Caracas appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that put numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing at least several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different districts allegedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the allegations.
