Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of several detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses US of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an official statement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered numerous of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Residents described feeling at least seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the distance," stated one local.
Smoke was reported rising from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.
