Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of several blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This incident has led to claims from Venezuela's government and demands for international action.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has condemned the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an formal announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.
Caracas appealed to the international community to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Residents described feeling approximately several explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in several districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," said one local.
Smoke was reported pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an swift meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported strikes come after a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.
