Explosions and Low-Flying Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Accounts emerged of several detonations and the roar of low-altitude jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This event has prompted accusations from Venezuela's leadership and demands for international scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns United States of Military Action
The incumbent administration has accused the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," stating that former President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American nation. In an public declaration, the government stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda state, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"The sole aim of these strikes is to gain control of our nation's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," the statement said.
The government urged the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that put countless of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Residents reported feeling roughly seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. Citizens in various areas reportedly ran into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We experienced explosions and planes in the distance," said one witness.
Smoke was reported pouring from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to live.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on a social platform that "Currently they are striking Venezuela... bombing it with rockets." He requested an swift emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate defense measures at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
The reported strikes are preceded by a months-long military buildup by the Trump administration against the Maduro government. Since August, there has been a substantial US military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on boats accused of narco-trafficking.
The administration has declared "the implementation of emergency" and directed all defense protocols to be activated. It has also urged its citizens to mobilize and "repudiate this foreign attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly addressed requests for a statement regarding the reports.
