Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This incident has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and calls for diplomatic action.
Caracas Accuses United States of Attack
The incumbent government has accused the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American nation. In an official statement, the government confirmed that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that endangered numerous of lives in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Hit
Locals described experiencing approximately seven explosions around the middle of the night local time. People in different areas allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was observed billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in August, there has been a major naval buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external aggression."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.
