Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international action.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
The authoritarian government has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and minerals," the government said.
Caracas appealed to the global community to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in different districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one resident.
Black smoke was seen pouring from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is thought to reside.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate defense measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
