Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and demands for international scrutiny.
Caracas Blames Washington of Attack
The socialist government has accused the US of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American country. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," the statement declared.
The government appealed to the international community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing roughly seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," stated one witness.
Smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks come after a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "denounce this imperialist act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
