Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the Washington of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an formal statement, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing roughly multiple detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the area," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged attacks come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.