Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of several explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked claims from the Venezuelan government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames US of Military Action
The authoritarian regime has accused the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of our nation's key assets, especially its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.
The government urged the global community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that placed millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted
Residents described hearing at least seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several districts allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," said one local.
Smoke was observed rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.
The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this foreign attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.
