Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist government has accused the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its petroleum and minerals," the government asserted.
The government urged the global community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Residents spoke of experiencing at least several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "repudiate this external act."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.
