Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of numerous detonations and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and demands for global action.
Caracas Condemns US of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Caracas called on the international community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that put millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.
Smoke was observed pouring from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
International Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate operational plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.