Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of several blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for global intervention.
Caracas Accuses United States of Aggression
The authoritarian government has accused the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an formal statement, the government stated that strikes had hit Caracas and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," the government said.
Caracas urged the world to censure the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered numerous of lives in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Locals reported hearing at least several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various neighborhoods reportedly ran into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," commented one local.
Smoke was observed billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He requested an swift meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a major American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its political forces to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
