Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Reports circulated of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression
The incumbent administration has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal statement, the government stated that strikes had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the world to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Locals reported experiencing approximately several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes come after a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this foreign attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on requests for comment regarding the reports.
