Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for international intervention.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
Venezuela's authoritarian administration has condemned the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an official statement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and resources," the statement said.
Caracas called on the international community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put numerous of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Residents described feeling at least several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in various districts allegedly rushed into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and ordered all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the reports.
