Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted allegations from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns US of Attack
The incumbent government has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official statement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
Caracas called on the international community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed countless of lives in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Residents reported feeling approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," stated one resident.
Black smoke was observed rising from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are striking 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, said it would initiate defense measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
