Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and requests for international action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
The incumbent regime has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and minerals," the statement said.
Caracas appealed to the international community to denounce the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Residents described hearing approximately seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in different areas reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," said one resident.
Smoke was reported rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate security measures at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign attack."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
