Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies emerged of multiple detonations and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted claims from the Venezuelan leadership and demands for international action.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Attack
Venezuela's incumbent regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," Venezuela said.
The government called on the world to condemn the operations, which it termed a "flagrant violation of international norms" that placed countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Installations Hit
Residents described experiencing at least several explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different areas reportedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the sky," stated one witness.
Black smoke was reported pouring from two military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just joined the Security Council, said it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes follow a extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a significant naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defence measures to be implemented. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this foreign aggression."
American officials and the US Department of Defense did not publicly commented on requests for a statement regarding the reports.
