Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of several blasts and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's government and requests for international intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent administration has blamed the United States of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American nation. In an official declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.
The government urged the international community to censure the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international norms" that endangered numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various districts allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the area," said one local.
Black smoke was observed billowing from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Maduro is reported to reside.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to inquiries for clarification regarding the reports.