Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of several explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Attack
The socialist regime has accused the United States of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela declared.
The government appealed to the world to censure the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered numerous of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of hearing at least several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in different districts reportedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," commented one witness.
Black smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this external aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
