Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Witnessed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas
Reports circulated of numerous blasts and the roar of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This situation has led to accusations from Venezuela's authorities and requests for global scrutiny.
Caracas Blames US of Military Action
The authoritarian administration has accused the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly authorized strikes against the South American country. In an public statement, the government stated that attacks had impacted the capital and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, especially its crude oil and resources," the statement asserted.
Venezuelan officials called on the world to condemn the strikes, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in peril.
Reports of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses spoke of experiencing at least multiple detonations around 2:00 AM local time. Citizens in several neighborhoods allegedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. It was horrible. We experienced blasts and jets in the sky," said one local.
Plumes of smoke was reported pouring from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where president Nicolás Maduro is reported to reside.
Global Condemnation
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an urgent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the Security Council, announced it would activate operational protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported strikes follow a extended military buildup by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan regime. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial American military deployment off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
The government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to protest and "repudiate this imperialist act."
American officials and the Defense Department have not publicly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the allegations.
