Explosions and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of several detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for global action.
Venezuela Blames United States of Attack
Venezuela's socialist government has accused the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," the government asserted.
The government urged the international community to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Residents spoke of feeling approximately several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in various areas reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the area," said one witness.
Black smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Context
These reported strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "reject this external attack."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.