The government of Nicolás Maduro denounced this Saturday a "military aggression" by the United States, following reports of explosions and aircraft flying over Caracas and other parts of the country during the early morning.
Videos shared on social media showed columns of smoke, explosions, and planes flying at low altitude over residential areas. Several neighborhoods in the Venezuelan capital were left without electricity, according to reports from neighbors, journalists, and local media.
The first explosions were heard around 2:00 a.m. (local time) near the La Carlota airbase, in eastern Caracas, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
In an official statement, the Venezuelan government declared:
"The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the serious military aggression perpetrated by the Government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and population."
The text warns that the action “threatens international peace and stability” and confirms that Maduro signed a “state of external commotion” throughout the national territory, invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows for the exercise of “legitimate defense.”
According to CBS News, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered attacks on military installations in various parts of Venezuela.
Media outlets such as CNN en Español reported that their team in Caracas witnessed multiple explosions, some so powerful that they shook the windows of buildings.
In their images, two columns of smoke and flashes of fire can be seen near La Carlota airport.
Trump claims to have captured Nicolás Maduro
Hours later, the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump stated that U.S. forces captured the Venezuelan leader and his wife, and that both were taken out of the country following a large-scale military operation.
In his message, Trump stated that the United States carried out the operation "in coordination with U.S. security agencies" and announced a press conference at Mar-a-Lago to provide further details.
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