Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts emerged of numerous explosions and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has prompted claims from Venezuela's leadership and demands for global intervention.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Aggression
The socialist government has condemned the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly ordered attacks against the South American country. In an official declaration, the government stated that strikes had impacted Caracas and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's natural resources, in particular its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela said.
The government appealed to the world to condemn the actions, which it described a "blatant breach of international law" that placed millions of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Locals reported hearing roughly several explosions around 2 a.m. local time. People in different areas allegedly hurried into the open.
"The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard blasts and jets in the sky," commented one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is reported to live.
Regional Response
The president of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Right now they are bombing Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would initiate security plans at its frontier with Venezuela.
Background
These alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long pressure campaign by the United States against the Venezuelan government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a major American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of airstrikes on boats linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's administration has declared "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defense protocols to be implemented. It has also summoned its citizens to take to the streets and "repudiate this external aggression."
The White House and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed inquiries for a statement regarding the events.
