Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression
The authoritarian government has condemned the US of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an official declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Caracas called on the international community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that placed millions of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Hit
Locals spoke of feeling approximately multiple detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a major US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.
