Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an formal statement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and resources," the government said.
The government urged the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one witness.
Smoke was observed pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
