Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has accused the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the Latin American state. In an public statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government urged the global community to censure the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing roughly seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different areas reportedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate security protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "reject this external aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
