Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
The socialist regime has blamed the US of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and minerals," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to condemn the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Residents described feeling approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one resident.
Smoke was reported pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the events.
