Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American country. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas urged the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered millions of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of experiencing at least seven explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes follow a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed requests for comment regarding the events.
