Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of numerous detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Blames US of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has blamed the US of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
Venezuelan officials called on the international community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Residents described experiencing roughly seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate defense measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The reported strikes follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a major US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.
