Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an public statement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.
The government appealed to the world to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Residents reported hearing approximately seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in various districts allegedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a significant American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.