Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of several detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the US of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed millions of lives in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in different districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," commented one local.
Smoke was reported rising from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the 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 months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
The administration has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "repudiate this external attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
