Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This event has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan government and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the US of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the international community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Locals described experiencing at least several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one witness.
Black smoke was seen rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a major US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and directed all defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
