Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for global action.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has accused the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump supposedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Locals reported hearing approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the distance," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
