🔗 Share this article

Accounts surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for diplomatic action.

Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action

The authoritarian government has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an public announcement, the government stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and minerals," Venezuela said.

The government called on the international community to denounce the operations, which it termed a "blatant breach of international norms" that put millions of lives at risk in peril.

Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit

Locals spoke of feeling roughly seven detonations around 2 a.m. local time. People in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.

"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We heard blasts and jets in the distance," commented one resident.

Smoke was observed billowing from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.

International Response

The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which recently joined the Security Council, stated it would activate security measures at its border with its neighbor.

Background

The reported attacks follow a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a significant US military buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of airstrikes on boats accused of drug trafficking.

Venezuela's government has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all national defence protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist aggression."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not immediately responded to requests for clarification regarding the allegations.