Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has led to accusations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for international scrutiny.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
The authoritarian government has blamed the US of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed attacks against the South American country. In an public statement, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The primary goal of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its petroleum and resources," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to denounce the strikes, which it described a "flagrant violation of international norms" that put millions of civilians in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Eyewitnesses described hearing roughly several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the area," commented one resident.
Black smoke was observed rising from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is thought to reside.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Venezuela... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, stated it would activate defense plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
The alleged strikes follow a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan regime. Since August, there has been a major American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has announced "a state of emergency" and commanded all national defense measures to be activated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this imperialist attack."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not publicly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
