Detonations and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports surfaced of numerous explosions and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Blames United States of Military Action
The socialist government has condemned the Washington of committing "imperial aggression," stating that former President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American state. In an public announcement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"Our primary goal of this attack is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that endangered millions of civilians in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Hit
Residents described hearing roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in different areas allegedly ran into the streets outside.
"Everything shook. It was frightening. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," said one local.
Smoke was seen rising from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "Right now they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the UNSC, said it would initiate operational measures at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes are preceded by a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, there has been a major naval presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of strikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external disturbance" and directed all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not promptly commented on requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
