Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas called on the global community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Sites Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing roughly seven powerful blasts around the middle of the night in the morning. People in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the distance," said one local.
Black smoke was observed rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would activate security protocols at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military presence off the country's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "denounce this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for clarification regarding the events.