Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The event has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international scrutiny.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist regime has condemned the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its oil and minerals," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses reported hearing roughly seven explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in several areas reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one witness.
Smoke was reported billowing from two defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks come after a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a major naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the reports.