Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has sparked claims from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global action.
Caracas Condemns United States of Aggression
The incumbent regime has blamed the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an public statement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its petroleum and resources," the government said.
The government called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Residents described hearing at least seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the area," stated one local.
Black smoke was observed pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
International Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not promptly commented on requests for a statement regarding the events.
