Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous explosions and the roar of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and requests for global scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses United States of Aggression
The authoritarian government has condemned the US of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the Latin American country. In an formal declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
The government called on the global community to denounce the actions, which it labeled a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Locals spoke of experiencing approximately multiple detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. People in several neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one local.
Smoke was seen pouring from major army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the United States against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a major US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "reject this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
