Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to denounce the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Residents reported hearing approximately seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Residents in various neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," commented one witness.
Black smoke was reported rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate security protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks follow a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence plans to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
