Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
The government appealed to the global community to condemn the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different areas reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," commented one local.
Smoke was observed billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
The government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."
American officials and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
