Detonations and Low-Altitude Planes Witnessed in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports emerged of several blasts and the sound of low-flying planes in Caracas in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's government and demands for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses United States of Aggression
The socialist administration has condemned the US of an act of "imperial aggression," alleging that former President Trump allegedly ordered attacks against the South American nation. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda state, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"Our only objective of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's key assets, notably its crude oil and minerals," Venezuela asserted.
Venezuelan officials appealed to the global community to denounce the operations, which it described a "flagrant violation of international law" that placed countless of lives in peril.
Accounts of Blasts and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described hearing roughly multiple powerful blasts around 2 a.m. local time. People in different neighborhoods reportedly hurried into the streets.
"The earth trembled. It was frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," stated one resident.
Smoke was reported billowing from key defense sites in the city: the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna base military base, where leader Maduro is thought to have a residence.
Global Reaction
The president of neighboring Colombia, wrote on X that "At this moment they are attacking Venezuela... attacking it with projectiles." He demanded an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
Colombia, which just became a member of the UNSC, announced it would activate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported attacks are preceded by a extended military buildup by the US against the Maduro administration. Beginning in August, authorities reported a significant US military presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a series of air strikes on boats accused of illegal activities.
The government has announced "a state of external threat" and commanded all defense plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to mobilize and "denounce this imperialist aggression."
US authorities and the Defense Department have not promptly commented on inquiries for a statement regarding the reports.