Venezuela’s defence minister, Vladimir López, has condemned the United States over alleged serious military assault on the country, insisting that the attacks would not defeat Venezuelans.
Gatekeepers News reports that explosions were reported in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, with power supply disrupted in some parts of the capital.
The strikes reportedly affected several locations, including urban areas in Caracas and neighbouring states such as Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Authorities said assessments were ongoing to determine the extent of damage and the number of civilians affected.
Hours after the explosions, US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that American forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, a statement that further heightened tensions.
In a video message released online, López said Venezuelan airspace was violated before dawn, describing the action as an attack launched with missiles and rockets from combat helicopters. He accused Washington of carrying out what he called an unlawful operation against a sovereign nation.
Lopez said, “This invasion represents the greatest outrage the country has ever suffered.”
He argued that the action breached international law and the United Nations charter, urging global institutions and the international community to speak out against the strikes.
According to him, the operation was not aimed at combating terrorism but was an attempt to force a change of government and gain control of Venezuela’s strategic resources.
He said, “They have attacked us but they will not vanquish us.”
“We will form an indestructible wall of resistance; our vocation is peace, but our heritage is the fight for freedom.”
López called on citizens and members of the armed forces to remain united, stressing that Venezuela would continue to defend its sovereignty and right to self-determination despite external pressure.
