Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Accuses US of Attack
The authoritarian administration has accused the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.
The government appealed to the international community to censure the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling at least several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.
Black smoke was observed pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes come after a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "reject this foreign attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
