Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic action.
Caracas Accuses US of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
The government called on the world to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that put millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Residents spoke of experiencing roughly multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," stated one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Response
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged attacks follow a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
