Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday. The situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
The incumbent regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of global law" that endangered countless of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents reported experiencing at least several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in different areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the sky," commented one resident.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to live.
International Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, wrote on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial American military deployment off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and directed all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly responded to requests for a statement regarding the events.
