Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for global scrutiny.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an official statement, the government stated that strikes had impacted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its oil and minerals," the statement said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to censure the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents reported feeling at least several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," commented one resident.
Smoke was observed pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes follow a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
