🔗 Share this article

Witness testimonies emerged of numerous blasts and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the small hours of Saturday morning. The situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for international action.

Venezuela Blames US of Attack

The socialist administration has condemned the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the Latin American state. In an public declaration, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of our nation's natural resources, notably its petroleum and minerals," the statement said.

Venezuelan officials urged the world to censure the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that endangered numerous of civilians in jeopardy.

Reports of Blasts and Defense Installations Targeted

Locals described hearing roughly several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different districts allegedly hurried into the open.

"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," commented one local.

Smoke was observed billowing from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Global Response

The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on social media that "Right now they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency session of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security plans at its shared border with Venezuela.

Context

The reported strikes come after a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military buildup off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.

The administration has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist act."

American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.