Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of several detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Condemns United States of Attack
The incumbent government has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American state. In an official announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to censure the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Residents reported experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various districts allegedly rushed into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
The reported strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, there has been a substantial US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the allegations.
