Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns United States of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent regime has blamed the US of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," the statement said.
The government appealed to the international community to censure the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately several detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense measures at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external act."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
