Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Accounts emerged of multiple detonations and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global scrutiny.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist government has blamed the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the government asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that put countless of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing roughly seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. People in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
Global Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant American military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "repudiate this external act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
