Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global action.
Venezuela Blames US of Aggression
The incumbent regime has accused the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the South American nation. In an formal declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of lives in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing roughly multiple explosions around the middle of the night local time. Residents in different areas reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would activate security measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
These reported strikes are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this external attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.
