Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Reports surfaced of several detonations and the sound of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. The event has sparked claims from Venezuela's government and demands for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist government has accused the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Caracas urged the international community to condemn the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in various areas allegedly rushed into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the area," stated one resident.
Smoke was reported rising from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its supporters to protest and "reject this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the events.
