Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday. The situation has prompted claims from Venezuela's government and requests for international action.
Venezuela Blames US of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the Latin American country. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its crude oil and resources," the government asserted.
The government called on the world to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that placed countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals described feeling roughly multiple explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the area," said one local.
Black smoke was seen pouring from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes come after a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to protest and "reject this external act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
