Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan government and requests for global scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns US of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an formal statement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that placed millions of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one local.
Smoke was observed billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the events.
