Detonations and Low-Altitude Aircraft Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts circulated of several detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent government has condemned the Washington of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
The government appealed to the international community to censure the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Residents spoke of feeling approximately multiple detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several districts allegedly hurried into the open.
"Everything shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, stated it would activate security measures at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a major American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the reports.