Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports circulated of several blasts and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and demands for international action.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the US of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government urged the world to censure the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that put countless of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Locals spoke of hearing at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate operational measures at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since August, there has been a major US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "reject this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
