Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of several explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global action.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent government has condemned the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the government asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.
Caracas appealed to the world to denounce the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different areas allegedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would activate defense plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all defense protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign attack."
American officials and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.
