Explosions and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the sound of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. This event has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and requests for diplomatic action.
Caracas Blames US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly directed military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and resources," Venezuela declared.
Caracas called on the world to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that put millions of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various districts allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one witness.
Black smoke was seen billowing from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would activate defense protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a major naval presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on boats suspected of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "a state of external threat" and directed all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "reject this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.
