Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of several detonations and the noise of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This event has prompted accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for global action.
Caracas Accuses United States of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the government confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, especially its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.
Caracas called on the global community to condemn the actions, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents described experiencing at least several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the area," commented one local.
Black smoke was observed billowing from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on a social platform that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would activate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has announced "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defense protocols to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to mobilize and "reject this external act."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
