Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses US of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has accused the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and resources," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put millions of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses described experiencing approximately several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one local.
Black smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
The administration has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to requests for clarification regarding the reports.
