Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. This event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for international action.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Military Action
The authoritarian administration has blamed the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.
Caracas called on the global community to censure the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered numerous of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Locals spoke of hearing approximately seven explosions around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in various districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Global Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate security protocols at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, authorities reported a major US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "reject this external attack."
American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
