Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Residents described feeling approximately several explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in various districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," commented one witness.
Black smoke was seen rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
