Detonations and Low-Flying Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple blasts and the noise of low-altitude aircraft in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. The event has prompted allegations from Venezuela's leadership and requests for international action.
Venezuela Condemns United States of Attack
Venezuela's socialist administration has accused the Washington of committing "foreign aggression," claiming that ex- President Donald Trump allegedly authorized military strikes against the South American state. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that strikes had targeted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The only objective of these strikes is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its crude oil and mineral wealth," the statement said.
Caracas urged the global community to denounce the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that placed millions of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Defense Installations Targeted
Locals spoke of feeling approximately seven detonations around the middle of the night local time. Citizens in several areas allegedly ran into the streets.
"The whole ground shook. It was horrible. We heard explosions and jets in the sky," said one resident.
Smoke was observed rising from key army bases in the city: the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base army base, where president Maduro is believed to live.
International Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with rockets." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, said it would initiate defense plans at its border with Venezuela.
Context
These reported strikes follow a prolonged military buildup by the United States against the Venezuelan administration. Since August, authorities reported a significant American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's government has declared "a state of external threat" and directed all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its political forces to mobilize and "repudiate this imperialist aggression."
The White House and the US Department of Defense did not promptly addressed inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
