Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas called on the world to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put countless of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals reported experiencing at least multiple detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different areas reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the area," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, there has been a substantial American military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
