Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the government said.
The government urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Locals spoke of experiencing roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," commented one witness.
Smoke was observed pouring from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes come after a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this external attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the allegations.