Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for international scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns US of Military Action
The incumbent administration has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Caracas called on the international community to denounce the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of lives in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted
Residents spoke of feeling approximately several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. People in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," said one resident.
Black smoke was observed billowing from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency session of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged attacks follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all national defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "denounce this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.
