Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global action.
Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action
The socialist government has condemned the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the government asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to censure the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Locals reported feeling roughly multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different areas reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," commented one local.
Black smoke was observed rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security measures at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Defense Department did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
