Explosions and Low-Altitude Aircraft Reported in Venezuela's Capital Caracas City
Reports circulated of numerous blasts and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This incident has sparked allegations from Venezuela's government and requests for global scrutiny.
Venezuela Blames Washington of Military Action
The authoritarian government has blamed the Washington of an act of "foreign aggression," alleging that ex- President Trump allegedly ordered military strikes against the South American country. In an public declaration, the authorities stated that attacks had impacted Caracas and three other provinces: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.
"Our sole aim of these strikes is to seize control of our nation's strategic resources, notably its oil and mineral wealth," the government said.
The government appealed to the international community to condemn the actions, which it termed a "clear infringement of international norms" that put millions of lives in jeopardy.
Reports of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Eyewitnesses described feeling roughly multiple powerful blasts around the middle of the night local time. Residents in different areas allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is terrifying. We experienced blasts and planes in the area," stated one resident.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from key military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna base compound, where leader Maduro is thought to reside.
Global Reaction
The leader of neighboring Colombia, Gustavo Petro, claimed on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with missiles." He called for an immediate emergency meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, said it would initiate security protocols at its border with its neighbor.
Context
The reported strikes come after a months-long military buildup by the US against the Maduro regime. Beginning in August, authorities reported a substantial American military buildup off the country's northern coast and a series of air strikes on vessels suspected of illegal activities.
Venezuela's government has stated "a state of external disturbance" and directed all national defence plans to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this external attack."
American officials and the US Department of Defense have not immediately commented on inquiries for comment regarding the reports.
