Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
The socialist government has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an official declaration, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Caracas urged the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that placed countless of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Locals spoke of experiencing roughly seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different districts allegedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
