🔗 Share this article

Reports circulated of multiple blasts and the roar of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The situation has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and calls for global action.

Venezuela Accuses US of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian government has blamed the US of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal declaration, the government stated that strikes had hit Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"Our sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela declared.

Venezuelan officials urged the international community to condemn the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in jeopardy.

Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit

Residents spoke of experiencing approximately multiple powerful blasts around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several areas reportedly ran into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," stated one witness.

Plumes of smoke was reported rising from key army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Maduro is believed to have a residence.

Regional Condemnation

The president of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would initiate operational plans at its border with its neighbor.

Preceding Events

The reported strikes follow a prolonged campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on boats linked to drug trafficking.

The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and commanded all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "reject this imperialist attack."

American officials and the US Department of Defense have not promptly addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.