Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Accuses US of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the United States of committing "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
The government appealed to the international community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered millions of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Locals reported hearing approximately multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," said one witness.
Smoke was seen rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
International Response
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of emergency" and directed all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
