Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns United States of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has accused the United States of an act of "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the government asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its oil and resources," the government said.
Caracas urged the international community to condemn the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," stated one witness.
Black smoke was reported rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence plans to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this foreign aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
