Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's government and demands for international action.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the government said.
Caracas appealed to the international community to condemn the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Residents reported experiencing approximately multiple explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the area," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, there has been a significant naval deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense plans to be implemented. It has also called on its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
