Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has blamed the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
The government appealed to the international community to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals reported experiencing at least several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the area," commented one resident.
Black smoke was reported rising from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "repudiate this foreign act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the events.
