Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an public statement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered millions of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents reported feeling at least multiple explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the sky," commented one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
