Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns US of Aggression
The incumbent regime has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
The government called on the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents described hearing approximately several powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," stated one witness.
Smoke was reported pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, announced it would activate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged attacks follow a extended military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since August, authorities reported a major naval presence off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The administration has stated "a state of external threat" and directed all defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
