Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple detonations and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The event has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and requests for diplomatic action.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the global community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "flagrant violation of global law" that put countless of lives in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing roughly multiple detonations around 2 a.m. local time. People in various neighborhoods reportedly ran into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the sky," said one resident.
Black smoke was observed rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant American military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not publicly addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
