Detonations and Low-Flying Jets Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies surfaced of several blasts and the noise of low-flying planes in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. This incident has led to accusations from the Venezuelan leadership and requests for global intervention.
Venezuela Condemns Washington of Attack
The socialist administration has blamed the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that former President Trump reportedly ordered military strikes against the Latin American country. In an official announcement, the government confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and several other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, in particular its oil and mineral wealth," the statement asserted.
Caracas called on the world to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of lives at risk in danger.
Reports of Explosions and Defense Bases Targeted
Eyewitnesses reported feeling approximately seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Residents in various districts reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the distance," commented one resident.
Smoke was reported rising from major defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Reaction
The president of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on social media that "Currently they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate operational measures at its border with Venezuela.
Background
The alleged strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of strikes on ships linked to drug trafficking.
The administration has stated "the implementation of external threat" and ordered all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this external act."
American officials and the Pentagon did not immediately addressed requests for clarification regarding the allegations.
