Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global intervention.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent administration has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an official statement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Caracas appealed to the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents reported experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one local.
Black smoke was seen rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."
The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly addressed requests for a statement regarding the events.
