Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has accused the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and minerals," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Locals reported hearing roughly seven powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a significant naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "repudiate this foreign act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
