Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and resources," the government declared.
Caracas called on the international community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents described hearing approximately seven explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in several districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," commented one resident.
Black smoke was seen rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
