Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple explosions and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns United States of Military Action
The incumbent administration has condemned the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to denounce the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Residents spoke of hearing at least seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. People in different areas reportedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign attack."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
