Explosions and Low-Altitude Planes Reported in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas City
Reports surfaced of numerous explosions and the noise of low-flying jets in the Venezuelan capital in the small hours of the weekend. This situation has led to allegations from Venezuela's leadership and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Accuses Washington of Military Action
Venezuela's authoritarian regime has accused the Washington of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump supposedly directed strikes against the South American state. In an formal announcement, the authorities confirmed that strikes had targeted the capital and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this aggression is to take control of our nation's strategic resources, especially its oil and resources," the statement said.
The government called on the international community to condemn the strikes, which it described a "clear infringement of international law" that placed countless of civilians in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Installations Hit
Residents described hearing roughly several powerful blasts around 2:00 AM in the morning. People in several districts reportedly ran into the open.
"Everything shook. This is frightening. We experienced explosions and jets in the area," said one witness.
Plumes of smoke was reported billowing from two military installations in the city: the La Carlota airbase airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where leader Nicolás Maduro is believed to reside.
International Response
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "Currently they are attacking Venezuela... bombing it with missiles." He demanded an urgent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The Colombian government, which just joined the Security Council, stated it would initiate defense plans at its border with its neighbor.
Preceding Events
These alleged attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the US against the Venezuelan administration. Beginning in August, there has been a substantial US military presence off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of airstrikes on ships accused of drug trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has declared "the implementation of external threat" and directed all national defense protocols to be initiated. It has also summoned its supporters to protest and "denounce this external attack."
US authorities and the Defense Department did not promptly commented on requests for comment regarding the allegations.
