Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts circulated of several detonations and the roar of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Attack
The incumbent regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an public announcement, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Caracas urged the world to censure the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a major naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "denounce this external attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
