Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This incident has led to claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression
The socialist administration has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an official statement, the government confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered numerous of lives in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing approximately several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would initiate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence plans to be activated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "reject this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
