Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Accounts circulated of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Attack
The socialist regime has blamed the United States of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public declaration, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government appealed to the international community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of global law" that put countless of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling roughly several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several areas allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a substantial American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
