Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack
Venezuela's socialist administration has condemned the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," commented one local.
Smoke was seen billowing from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate 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 measures at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged strikes come after a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
