Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. This event has led to claims from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an public declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela asserted.
The government called on the world to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives in danger.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Residents described hearing at least several powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. People in various areas reportedly rushed into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We heard blasts and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Smoke was observed pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on a social platform that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, said it would activate security measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
