🔗 Share this article

Accounts emerged of several blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday morning. This event has sparked claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global scrutiny.

Venezuela Accuses United States of Attack

Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the US of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly ordered strikes against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities stated that strikes had hit Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.

"The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.

The government called on the international community to condemn the operations, which it termed a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered numerous of lives in danger.

Accounts of Blasts and Military Sites Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported experiencing at least several detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly ran into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one witness.

Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.

Global Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency session of the Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with its neighbor.

Background

These reported strikes are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.

Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also called on its citizens to protest and "denounce this imperialist aggression."

US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.