Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has led to allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent administration has condemned the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government said.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Locals reported experiencing approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," commented one witness.
Black smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
