Blasts and Low-Altitude Aircraft Heard in Venezuela's Capital City Caracas
Accounts surfaced of several explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft in Caracas in the pre-dawn hours of the weekend. The situation has led to claims from the Venezuelan government and calls for diplomatic scrutiny.
Caracas Condemns US of Attack
The socialist government has condemned the United States of an act of "imperialist aggression," claiming that former President Trump supposedly directed strikes against the Latin American country. In an formal statement, the authorities asserted that attacks had targeted Caracas and three other regions: Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua state.
"The sole aim of this attack is to take control of Venezuela's strategic resources, especially its petroleum and mineral wealth," the statement declared.
Venezuelan officials urged the international community to censure the operations, which it labeled a "blatant breach of international law" that placed millions of lives in jeopardy.
Accounts of Explosions and Military Bases Hit
Locals spoke of feeling at least seven powerful blasts around 2 a.m. in the morning. People in various districts reportedly ran into the open.
"The earth trembled. This is frightening. We heard explosions and planes in the sky," stated one witness.
Smoke was observed billowing from two army bases in the city: the La Carlota airbase air base and the Fuerte Tiuna army base, where president Nicolás Maduro is believed to have a residence.
Regional Condemnation
The president of neighboring Colombia, stated on X that "At this moment they are striking Caracas... attacking it with rockets." He demanded an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Colombia, which recently joined the UNSC, announced it would initiate security measures at its border with its neighbor.
Background
The alleged attacks come after a extended campaign of pressure by the United States against the Maduro government. Beginning in last summer, authorities reported a significant naval presence off the country's Caribbean coast and a number of airstrikes on vessels linked to narco-trafficking.
Venezuela's administration has announced "the implementation of external disturbance" and commanded all national defence measures to be initiated. It has also urged its supporters to take to the streets and "reject this external attack."
American officials and the Pentagon have not publicly commented on requests for comment regarding the events.
