Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for international action.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
The authoritarian government has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the government stated that attacks had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its oil and minerals," the statement said.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered millions of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing at least several explosions around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various districts reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the sky," stated one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported strikes are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since August, there has been a major American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "denounce this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly addressed requests for comment regarding the events.
