🔗 Share this article

Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The event has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression

Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the US of an act of "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly directed strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official statement, the authorities asserted that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.

"Our only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the government said.

Caracas urged the international community to condemn the actions, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that put numerous of lives at risk in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit

Locals reported feeling approximately seven detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in several districts reportedly hurried into the open.

"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one witness.

Black smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.

Regional Response

The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Currently they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an urgent emergency meeting of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.

Background

These reported attacks follow a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Since August, authorities reported a major American military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of illegal activities.

The administration has announced "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this external attack."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.