Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to claims from Venezuela's government and requests for global action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
The authoritarian administration has blamed the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an official statement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Caracas urged the world to censure the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed countless of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Locals reported feeling roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the distance," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a major American military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to illegal activities.
The government has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "repudiate this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
