Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports emerged of several detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This situation has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic intervention.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
The socialist regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an public statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and minerals," the statement asserted.
Caracas urged the world to censure the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that put countless of lives in danger.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Locals described feeling at least several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in several areas allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and aircraft in the sky," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen pouring from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with projectiles." He called for an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These reported attacks come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
