Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global action.
Venezuela Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this attack is to take control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to condemn the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals described feeling approximately multiple explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one local.
Smoke was seen billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed requests for a statement regarding the events.
