Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and requests for global action.
Caracas Blames US of Attack
The authoritarian government has accused the US of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that put millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Residents spoke of hearing approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in several areas allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one resident.
Smoke was observed rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate operational measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."
The White House and the Defense Department have not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the events.
