Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of several blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
The authoritarian regime has blamed the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American country. In an official statement, the government asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Caracas urged the international community to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Residents described experiencing roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the area," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant US military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The government has declared "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on requests for a statement regarding the events.
