Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal declaration, the government asserted that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals," the government said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing at least seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. People in various areas reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," said one resident.
Black smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "denounce this external act."
The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the events.