Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the early hours of the weekend. This event has led to claims from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Aggression
The authoritarian government has blamed the US of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump reportedly directed attacks against the Latin American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted the capital and three other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and resources," the government asserted.
The government urged the global community to censure the strikes, which it termed a "blatant breach of global law" that put numerous of civilians in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Hit
Eyewitnesses reported hearing at least several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Residents in different districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was terrifying. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was observed pouring from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to live.
Regional Response
The leader of neighboring Colombia, claimed on X that "Currently they are striking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an swift emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its frontier with Venezuela.
Context
The reported attacks come after a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro administration. Since August, there has been a major US military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "denounce this imperialist attack."
US authorities and the US Department of Defense have not publicly addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
