Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of numerous explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The incident has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses United States of Aggression
Venezuela's authoritarian government has condemned the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump reportedly authorized military strikes against the Latin American nation. In an formal declaration, the government stated that strikes had hit the capital and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our primary goal of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its crude oil and resources," the government declared.
The government appealed to the international community to censure the operations, which it described a "blatant breach of international norms" that put numerous of civilians in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Sites Targeted
Locals spoke of hearing roughly multiple explosions around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various districts allegedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced blasts and planes in the sky," stated one witness.
Black smoke was reported billowing from two army bases in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
Regional Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, wrote on X that "At this moment they are bombing Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, stated it would activate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These reported attacks are preceded by a prolonged campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a substantial naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "the implementation of external threat" and commanded all defense measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to protest and "repudiate this external act."
US authorities and the Pentagon have not immediately addressed inquiries for comment regarding the events.
