Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. The incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global action.
Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action
The authoritarian administration has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American country. In an official announcement, the government asserted that strikes had hit Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela declared.
Caracas appealed to the world to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of global law" that put numerous of lives in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Residents in various neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. This is terrifying. We experienced explosions and planes in the area," said one witness.
Smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
International Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "Currently they are bombing Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, said it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
The reported strikes follow a months-long pressure campaign by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a substantial naval buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships accused of illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "reject this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Defense Department did not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.