Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude planes in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has led to claims from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Condemns Washington of Aggression
The socialist regime has blamed the US of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly authorized strikes against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," the government asserted.
Caracas called on the world to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one resident.
Smoke was reported rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes are preceded by a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all defense plans to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "repudiate this foreign act."
The White House and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
