Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic action.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has blamed the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Caracas urged the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered countless of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Hit
Residents spoke of hearing at least several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one local.
Black smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a substantial US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
