🔗 Share this article

Reports emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of Saturday. This event has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for global scrutiny.

Venezuela Condemns US of Aggression

Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the United States of committing "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Donald Trump reportedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an official announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement said.

The government urged the global community to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in danger.

Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Targeted

Residents spoke of hearing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. People in various areas reportedly hurried into the streets.

"Everything shook. This is terrifying. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," commented one resident.

Black smoke was seen rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Maduro is reported to live.

International Reaction

The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on social media that "At this moment they are bombing Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate defense plans at its frontier with Venezuela.

Background

These reported attacks come after a prolonged campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a major naval deployment off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.

Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist act."

American officials and the Defense Department have not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.