Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Blames United States of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an official declaration, the government stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Locals reported feeling at least multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The administration has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "denounce this external act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
