Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and calls for global intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Attack
The authoritarian administration has condemned the US of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an public declaration, the government asserted that attacks had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Caracas urged the international community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Locals described feeling at least multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and planes in the area," said one resident.
Smoke was seen pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These alleged attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist attack."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the reports.
