Blasts and Low-Flying Planes Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of multiple explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global intervention.
Caracas Blames United States of Attack
The incumbent administration has condemned the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump reportedly directed strikes against the South American country. In an formal announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," the government asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Sites Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling at least several detonations around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different neighborhoods allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one witness.
Black smoke was reported pouring from major military installations in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
International Condemnation
The leader of bordering Colombia, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported attacks come after a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro government. Since last summer, there has been a major naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defence protocols to be activated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist attack."
The White House and the Defense Department did not immediately responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.
