Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Condemns United States of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the US of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and resources," the statement asserted.
The government called on the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Residents described hearing at least seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one resident.
Black smoke was reported rising from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Since last summer, there has been a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
