Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global action.
Caracas Condemns United States of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal declaration, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.
Caracas urged the international community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing roughly multiple detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate security measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged attacks come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, there has been a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "reject this external act."
The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
