Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international intervention.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Aggression
The socialist administration has blamed the United States of committing "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American state. In an official announcement, the government asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the government said.
The government called on the world to condemn the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various districts reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged strikes follow a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
