Blasts and Low-Flying Aircraft Reported in Venezuelan Capital City Caracas City
Witness testimonies circulated of multiple detonations and the noise of low-altitude jets in Caracas in the early hours of the weekend. The event has sparked allegations from Venezuela's authorities and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Venezuela Accuses US of Aggression
Venezuela's incumbent government has blamed the Washington of what it calls "imperial aggression," claiming that former President Donald Trump reportedly directed attacks against the Latin American nation. In an public announcement, the authorities stated that attacks had hit the capital and several other states: Miranda, La Guaira state, and Aragua.
"The primary goal of this aggression is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, in particular its crude oil and mineral wealth," Venezuela declared.
Caracas urged the global community to condemn the operations, which it labeled a "clear infringement of international law" that endangered countless of lives at risk in jeopardy.
Reports of Blasts and Military Installations Targeted
Residents spoke of experiencing approximately seven explosions around 2:00 AM in the morning. Citizens in different districts allegedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard blasts and planes in the area," said one local.
Smoke was seen billowing from key defense sites in Caracas: the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna compound, where president Maduro is believed to reside.
Global Response
The leader of bordering Colombia, Gustavo Petro, stated on X that "Right now they are attacking Caracas... bombing it with projectiles." He requested an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
The Colombian government, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate defense protocols at its shared border with its neighbor.
Background
These alleged attacks follow a months-long campaign of pressure by the Trump administration against the Venezuelan government. Since last summer, authorities reported a substantial American military deployment off Venezuela's northern coast and a number of strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
The administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all defense protocols to be initiated. It has also called on its political forces to take to the streets and "denounce this external attack."
The White House and the Defense Department have not publicly responded to inquiries for a statement regarding the allegations.
