Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports emerged of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global action.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
The incumbent administration has blamed the US of an act of "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," the statement asserted.
The government called on the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Residents spoke of hearing roughly seven explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various districts reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one resident.
Black smoke was seen pouring from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate operational protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported strikes come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
