Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of several detonations and the sound of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global action.
Caracas Accuses US of Aggression
The socialist government has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," the government said.
Caracas urged the international community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered millions of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Locals described experiencing roughly seven detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard blasts and aircraft in the sky," stated one local.
Black smoke was observed rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
International Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate defense protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this external act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
