🔗 Share this article

Witness testimonies circulated of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying planes in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international scrutiny.

Venezuela Condemns US of Military Action

Venezuela's authoritarian regime has blamed the US of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had hit the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.

"The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, notably its crude oil and minerals," the government declared.

The government called on the international community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in peril.

Reports of Explosions and Military Installations Targeted

Eyewitnesses reported experiencing approximately several detonations around the middle of the night in the morning. Citizens in several districts reportedly hurried into the streets outside.

"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," commented one witness.

Smoke was reported billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.

Global Condemnation

The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on social media that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, stated it would initiate operational protocols at its border with its neighbor.

Background

These reported strikes come after a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Maduro government. Since last summer, there has been a major US military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.

Venezuela's administration has stated "the implementation of emergency" and ordered all national defence protocols to be implemented. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "reject this external act."

American officials and the Pentagon have not immediately commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the events.