Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of several detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global action.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
The authoritarian administration has blamed the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents described feeling approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different areas allegedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," commented one resident.
Black smoke was seen billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The reported strikes follow a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and ordered all defense measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
