Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Attack
The authoritarian regime has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an official statement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Residents spoke of hearing at least multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," stated one local.
Black smoke was reported pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Response
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes follow a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a substantial US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "reject this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
