Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for global scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has condemned the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and resources," the statement said.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that put millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling at least multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several areas reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one local.
Smoke was seen billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.