Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for international action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Attack
The authoritarian regime has blamed the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the South American state. In an formal statement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the government asserted.
The government appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Locals reported feeling approximately several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one witness.
Smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this imperialist attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
