Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression
The incumbent government has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas urged the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling at least seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several areas reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, said it would activate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this external aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
