Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian government has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to take control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and resources," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing approximately seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," stated one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security plans at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The alleged attacks follow a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
