Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for global scrutiny.
Caracas Blames Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent administration has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and minerals," the statement declared.
Caracas appealed to the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that put countless of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Locals reported hearing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one local.
Smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
Global Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
