Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global action.
Caracas Condemns United States of Aggression
The socialist administration has condemned the Washington of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, in particular its crude oil and resources," the government declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted
Locals spoke of hearing at least multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," commented one local.
Smoke was observed pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate defense measures at its border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes follow a months-long military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Since August, there has been a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defense plans to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
