Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
The incumbent administration has accused the United States of committing "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Caracas urged the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals reported experiencing at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," stated one local.
Smoke was reported rising from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate security measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged strikes come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.
The government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "reject this external aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
