Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of several explosions and the roar of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for global intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
The incumbent government has condemned the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela declared.
The government urged the world to censure the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
