Accounts circulated of several detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday. This event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan government and requests for global action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's incumbent regime has condemned the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," stating that former President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to gain control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Caracas appealed to the global community to denounce the strikes, which it described a "blatant breach of global law" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses spoke of hearing at least several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was horrible. We heard blasts and planes in the area," said one resident.
Smoke was observed rising from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He called for an immediate meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate security measures at its shared border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks follow a extended campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "denounce this external aggression."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the events.
