Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan authorities and calls for international action.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist government has condemned the United States of committing "imperialist aggression," stating that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an formal declaration, the authorities confirmed that strikes had impacted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of this attack is to take control of our nation's key assets, notably its oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
Caracas urged the global community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that endangered countless of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Targeted
Residents reported hearing roughly several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various areas allegedly rushed into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," stated one local.
Black smoke was seen billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Global Condemnation
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate operational plans at its frontier with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes come after a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial US military presence off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense measures to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to take to the streets and "reject this external act."
American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
