Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression
The socialist government has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an official announcement, the government stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
The government appealed to the world to denounce the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered numerous of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Locals described experiencing approximately several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in various districts allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a major US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this external act."
American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the events.
