Blasts and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Reports emerged of multiple explosions and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global intervention.
Caracas Blames Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian government has condemned the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered strikes against the Latin American country. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our only objective of this attack is to gain control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the world to denounce the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed millions of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Military Sites Targeted
Locals described feeling at least multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in various areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the distance," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was observed rising from key military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would activate defense protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
These reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the reports.