Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of several detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Locals described experiencing approximately several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a substantial naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
