Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of multiple blasts and the noise of low-flying jets in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The situation has sparked allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for diplomatic intervention.
Caracas Blames United States of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the US of committing "foreign aggression," stating that former President Trump supposedly authorized strikes against the South American state. In an official announcement, the authorities asserted that strikes had impacted the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of this attack is to seize control of Venezuela's natural resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government urged the world to denounce the strikes, which it labeled a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered numerous of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals spoke of feeling at least several detonations around 2 a.m. local time. Citizens in various neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. This is horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the distance," stated one resident.
Smoke was seen rising from major army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Right now they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate operational plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks are preceded by a prolonged pressure campaign by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial naval buildup off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a number of air strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has declared "a state of emergency" and ordered all defense measures to be activated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "reject this foreign aggression."
US authorities and the Pentagon did not publicly responded to requests for a statement regarding the allegations.
