Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global action.
Caracas Accuses US of Aggression
The socialist administration has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an public announcement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, in particular its oil and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the international community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents described feeling roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since August, authorities reported a major US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "repudiate this external act."
American officials and the Defense Department have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
