Venezuela Declares State of Emergency Following US Strikes on Civilian and Military Targets
At least seven powerful explosions have erupted in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, as low-flying aircraft have been observed in the skies above. According to the Venezuelan government, these events are part of a coordinated series of strikes conducted by the United States.
Explosions and smoke were observed in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, early on Saturday at around 2 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT). The incidents coincided with power outages in the vicinity of a major military base, and there were reports of aircraft flying at low altitude.
Residents across multiple neighborhoods hurried to the streets, with some visible from different parts of Caracas.
Nicolas Maduro has declared a nationwide state of emergency, initiating the complete activation of national defense strategies. He has also authorized the deployment of comprehensive defense commands throughout the country following recent attacks.
The Venezuelan government has issued a statement accusing US forces of executing coordinated attacks on both civilian and military sites in Caracas and various other states. The government characterized these actions as a blatant military aggression with the intent to capture the nation’s oil and mineral resources.
The government has called upon its supporters to rally across the country following recent attacks.
“The Bolivarian Government has called for social and political forces across the nation to take to the streets in response to what it describes as an ‘imperialist attack.’ The statement urges the activation of mobilization plans to counteract the perceived aggression.”
Caracas asserted its right to legitimate self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, urging regional governments and the international community to unite in opposition to what it termed as imperialist aggression.
American news outlets have reported that Trump authorized direct military actions on Venezuelan territory several days prior.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has denounced the incident, urging the United Nations to convene an urgent meeting to address the matter.
Caracas has come under missile attack, prompting a warning to the global community about Venezuela’s precarious situation. Petro has called for urgent meetings of the Organization of American States and the United Nations via a post on the social media platform X.
Since August, the US Southern Command has mobilized a substantial naval and aerial force to the region, comprising warships, submarines, aircraft carriers, F-35 squadrons, and around 15,000 military personnel.
The deployments encompass Carrier Strike Group Twelve, which includes the USS Gerald R. Ford, renowned as the world’s largest aircraft carrier.
Since September, the United States military has conducted over 30 operations, reportedly resulting in the deaths of at least 115 individuals.
Officials in Caracas have denounced the actions as an intentional demonstration of US aggression, accusing them of attempting to intimidate the region and erode Venezuela’s sovereignty amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
Washington has asserted, without presenting supporting evidence, that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is at the helm of the Cartel de los Soles, a group that was labeled a terrorist organization by the United States last month.
Maduro has accused the Trump administration of attempting to oust him from power and seize Venezuela’s oil resources.
