Explosions and Low-Altitude Jets Heard in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of multiple explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked accusations from the Venezuelan authorities and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses US of Aggression
The authoritarian regime has blamed the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly ordered strikes against the Latin American state. In an public statement, the government confirmed that attacks had targeted the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela said.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the international community to condemn the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that placed numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Locals spoke of hearing at least several powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. Residents in several districts reportedly hurried into the open.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and aircraft in the distance," said one resident.
Plumes of smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the UNSC, said it would initiate operational plans at its shared border with Venezuela.
Context
These alleged attacks are preceded by a months-long campaign of pressure by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since last summer, authorities reported a significant American military presence off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on ships suspected of illegal activities.
The government has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defense plans to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "reject this external act."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not promptly responded to inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
