Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This situation has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Military Action
The incumbent government has condemned the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an formal statement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's key assets, in particular its petroleum and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
The government called on the world to censure the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that endangered millions of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Locals reported feeling roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in different neighborhoods reportedly rushed into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Plumes of smoke was seen billowing from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an swift meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would initiate defense protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since last summer, authorities reported a major naval presence off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and directed all national defense plans to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
American officials and the Pentagon did not promptly addressed requests for comment regarding the reports.
