Blasts and Low-Flying Jets Heard in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of several explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has sparked accusations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for global action.
Venezuela Accuses Washington of Aggression
Venezuela's socialist regime has blamed the United States of what it calls "foreign aggression," claiming that former President Trump allegedly authorized attacks against the South American nation. In an official statement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The only objective of this aggression is to take control of our nation's natural resources, especially its petroleum and minerals," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials called on the global community to censure the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Residents reported feeling at least several detonations around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in several neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was terrifying. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one resident.
Black smoke was seen rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to have a residence.
International Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He demanded an immediate meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate security plans at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in last summer, there has been a significant US military deployment off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence plans to be activated. It has also summoned its citizens to protest and "denounce this imperialist act."
American officials and the Defense Department did not publicly commented on inquiries for clarification regarding the events.
