Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted the capital and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its oil and resources," the statement declared.
Caracas urged the world to denounce the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing at least seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one witness.
Smoke was reported pouring from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this foreign act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
