Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official announcement, the government stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to censure the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals reported experiencing roughly seven explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts allegedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," said one local.
Black smoke was seen rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since August, authorities reported a major US military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.