Detonations and Low-Altitude Jets Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas
Accounts surfaced of several detonations and the roar of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. This event has led to allegations from the Venezuelan leadership and calls for international scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns United States of Attack
Venezuela's socialist regime has accused the United States of an act of "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly authorized attacks against the South American state. In an public announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had hit the capital and several other regions: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of this attack is to gain control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and mineral wealth," the government declared.
Caracas appealed to the global community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of global law" that placed millions of civilians in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Defense Bases Hit
Residents described experiencing approximately multiple explosions around 2:00 AM local time. People in various areas allegedly hurried into the streets.
"Everything shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported rising from major military installations in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Nicolás Maduro is reported to live.
International Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on social media that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He requested an immediate emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Colombia, which recently became a member of the Security Council, said it would initiate defense measures at its shared border with Venezuela.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks come after a extended pressure campaign by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant American military buildup off Venezuela's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels accused of illegal activities.
The government has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all national defense plans to be initiated. It has also urged its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this external aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on requests for clarification regarding the events.
