Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of several blasts and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for global action.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the international community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling at least several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in different districts allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one witness.
Black smoke was observed rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged strikes follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
