Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression
The incumbent administration has condemned the US of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Caracas urged the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed countless of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals described experiencing approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in different districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," stated one resident.
Black smoke was observed pouring from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
