Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several explosions and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The incident has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and requests for global scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
The government called on the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Locals described feeling roughly several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate security measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
