Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. This incident has led to claims from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an public declaration, the government stated that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," the statement declared.
The government called on the international community to condemn the operations, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that placed countless of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents described hearing at least several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various districts reportedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and planes in the area," stated one witness.
Black smoke was seen rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
International Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged strikes follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this external aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
