🔗 Share this article

Accounts circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. This incident has prompted allegations from Venezuela's government and calls for international action.

Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack

Venezuela's incumbent administration has accused the US of committing "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American nation. In an formal declaration, the government asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.

The government appealed to the global community to denounce the actions, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in peril.

Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted

Residents reported experiencing roughly several explosions around the middle of the night in the morning. Residents in different districts reportedly ran into the streets.

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

Black smoke was seen rising from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.

Regional Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with missiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the Security Council.

Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with Venezuela.

Context

The alleged attacks are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Maduro regime. Since last summer, there has been a significant naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of narco-trafficking.

The administration has declared "the implementation of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this external attack."

The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.