Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian administration has blamed the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an official statement, the government stated that strikes had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials urged the world to censure the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Locals spoke of hearing approximately seven detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would initiate operational protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this foreign act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
