Blasts and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous detonations and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. The event has prompted claims from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global scrutiny.
Caracas Blames Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the South American nation. In an formal declaration, the government stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, notably its oil and resources," Venezuela declared.
Caracas appealed to the world to denounce the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of international law" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses described experiencing approximately several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in various areas allegedly rushed into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," said one witness.
Black smoke was observed pouring from two defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would activate defense plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Background
These reported attacks come after a months-long military buildup by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The government has declared "a state of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "repudiate this external attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense have not immediately addressed requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
