Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This event has led to claims from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
The government appealed to the world to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered millions of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses reported feeling at least multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," said one resident.
Black smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks follow a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a major naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
