Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for international action.
Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression
The incumbent government has blamed the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the South American country. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.
The government called on the international community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered numerous of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Residents reported experiencing roughly seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the sky," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported strikes follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this foreign act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
