Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has sparked claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the US of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American state. In an public declaration, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the statement declared.
Caracas appealed to the global community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that put numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various districts reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
