Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This situation has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression
The incumbent administration has accused the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly directed military strikes against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to condemn the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that put millions of civilians in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in different areas reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," said one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this external attack."
The White House and the Defense Department have not immediately responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the allegations.
