Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of numerous explosions and the sound of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The incident has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames United States of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian government has accused the US of what it calls "imperialist aggression," claiming that ex- President Trump supposedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official declaration, the authorities asserted that attacks had impacted Caracas and several other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to condemn the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that endangered millions of civilians in danger.
Reports of Blasts and Military Bases Targeted
Locals spoke of feeling approximately seven explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in different areas allegedly hurried into the streets outside.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and aircraft in the area," said one local.
Smoke was seen billowing from major defense sites in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He called for an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, announced it would activate security protocols at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged attacks follow a prolonged military buildup by the US against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, there has been a substantial US military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of air strikes on ships accused of narco-trafficking.
The government has announced "a state of external disturbance" and ordered all national defense measures to be initiated. It has also called on its citizens to mobilize and "denounce this external act."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not promptly responded to requests for comment regarding the reports.
