Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan government and calls for international intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
The incumbent administration has condemned the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," commented one resident.
Black smoke was reported pouring from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "repudiate this external aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the reports.
