Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of numerous blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has led to allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for international action.
Venezuela Condemns US of Attack
The socialist administration has condemned the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.
The government called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Residents spoke of feeling at least several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one local.
Black smoke was observed billowing from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
