Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted claims from Venezuela's authorities and requests for international scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has condemned the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Locals reported experiencing at least seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," commented one local.
Black smoke was reported pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate security measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.